The National’s coverage of this was, perhaps, a bit dramatic.

Abu Dhabi is the New Hollywood … well, not quite yet. Not until it has the sort of ongoing and deep-rooted industry found in and around Los Angeles.

But the point of the story is this:

There are advantages to making movies — or parts of movies — in the UAE capital.

Sunny skies all the year round … well, yes. Except that the sun will melt anyone six months of the year.

However, at least four months of the year, corresponding with winter in the northern hemisphere, the UAE is a great place to be, if you want dependable warmth and light.

Also important: The economic incentives offered by the city.

As the story notes, he Abu Dhabi Film Commission “offers a 30 per cent production rebate on approved spending, without a funding cap”.

It also has a media company, twofour54 tawasol, which “eases Hollywood’s work in the emirate” by working with the government and “smoothing the process so producers can focus on filming unburdened by the hassle of obtaining filming licences, scouting procedures and approvals”.

Given the many and complicated laws pertaining to permits and unions, in Los Angeles, that has to have massive appeal, too.

Remember, too, that the UAE is a country with almost no taxes. No income taxes, no sales taxes. More cost reductions.

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi got global attention when it was discovered that producers of the next Star Wars film were at work in the desert.

The Hollywood Reporter did a story on why Hollywood was “hot on Abu Dhabi”, and in that story was a suggestion that people working on the movie were “getting four-star hotels for about $50 a night”.

So, great climate (part of the year), cooperative governmental agencies, water as well as sand, lots of open space … Abu Dhabi makes sense for some producers, and may do so for more, going forward.