How Qatari Entrepreneur Abdulrahman Al-Mana Is Shaping The Future Of Qatar’s Film Industry
Through Al Mana Film Studios, strategic partnerships, and industry initiatives spanning the GCC, Abdulrahman Al-Mana is helping create the infrastructure needed for a thriving regional film ecosystem.
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When Abdulrahman Al-Mana was studying film and television production at Keele University in the UK, his ambition was straightforward: to make films.
Immersed in a mature filmmaking environment, he experienced firsthand how independent cinema, studios, film communities, and cultural institutions worked together to nurture talent and build a sustainable creative industry.
Returning to Qatar, however, he recognized a different reality.
While there was no shortage of passion for storytelling or aspiring filmmakers, there was still a need for stronger industry infrastructure, greater collaboration, and more opportunities to help local talent develop professionally.
“I believed Qatar had the potential to become an important creative hub in the region, especially with the country’s cultural development and growing support for the creative industries under Qatar National Vision 2030,” Al-Mana says.
“My vision has evolved from simply creating films into helping build an ecosystem.”
The first step toward realizing that vision was founding Al Mana Film Studios, a Doha-based company dedicated to film production, creative industry development, and international collaborations across the GCC. The studio draws on the experience Al-Mana gained while working on landmark global events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 AFC Asian Cup.
”The studio was established with the vision of becoming more than just a production company,” Al-Mana adds. “I wanted it to serve as a creative platform that supports independent filmmakers, develops original stories, facilitates international collaborations, and contributes to building a sustainable cinematic ecosystem in Qatar and the GCC region.”
Today, Al-Mana’s work has earned him recognition at the Athens International Film Festival, the Sweden International Film Festival, and the Mentor Arabia Empowerment Film and Song Competition Awards in Doha, Qatar.
His growing body of work reflects a commitment to telling stories that resonate both culturally and socially. Among his most notable productions is “Journey of Bisht”, a landmark Qatari film that celebrates the country’s heritage and identity through a contemporary cinematic lens. “I Know You Hear Me”, a Palestinian-Qatari production, explores the lasting emotional impact of childhood experiences in conflict zones, while “Commitment Is an Act, Not a Word” examines how resilience and personal commitment can help individuals overcome life’s challenges.
From the outset, Al Mana Film Studios has been built around three core pillars: production services, original film development, and strategic partnerships.
“Through our production services, we support local and international film, media, and commercial projects with production coordination, creative development, logistics support, casting, and project management across the region,” Al-Mana says. “At the same time, we actively develop and produce original independent films and culturally driven stories that reflect regional identity while appealing to international audiences. Projects such as The Maker: A Journey of Bisht represent our vision of creating stories rooted in heritage, culture, and human connection.
“Currently, our strongest revenue streams come from production services, branded content, strategic collaborations, and event partnerships, while long-term growth will increasingly focus on original IP, international co-productions, distribution, and regional expansion.”
This approach has led Al-Mana to create a sustainable business model through a combination of self-financing, strategic partnerships, film funding programs, and participation in government-backed accelerators and creative initiatives.
“As an independent studio, we focus on sustainable growth by continuously reinvesting into productions, infrastructure, and industry development while scaling step by step. Film funds and support programs have also played an important role in helping finance selected projects we co-produce or fully produce, while providing valuable mentorship, industry access, and international networking opportunities,” he says.
“At the same time, we remain selective with partnerships and funding to ensure we maintain the studio’s creative identity and long-term vision.”
Al-Mana has also been an active role in shaping Qatar’s film industry. He serves as a board member of the Qatar Film Community, event director of the Filmmakers Forum Qatar Edition, and head of the Lusail International Film Festival.
“Our strength comes from our flexibility, regional understanding, and ability to connect creative projects with strategic partnerships and global opportunities,” he explains. “Our strategic and logistics partners include Visit Qatar, Qatar Film Community, Scale7 by Qatar Development Bank, and the Lusail International Film Festival.
“Beyond film production, we actively contribute to the creative ecosystem through festivals, community initiatives, industry networking, and international collaborations. With operations and partnerships across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, we are part of the new generation of GCC studios helping shape the future of independent cinema in the region.
“Our goal is not only commercial growth, but also creating cultural and creative impact while establishing Al Mana Film Studios as a trusted regional partner for filmmakers, brands, festivals, and international productions.”
Today, Al Mana Film Studios operates through a growing network spanning Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, working with an expanding ecosystem of creative collaborators and industry partners tailored to the scale and needs of each production.
“Participating in global platforms such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Red Sea International Film Festival, and regional film markets has been equally transformative,” says Al-Mana. “These experiences have allowed us to expand our international network, build meaningful collaborations, and showcase the potential of filmmakers from our region.”
The studio has also been selected for two of the region’s leading business development programs: the Film Business Accelerator by the Saudi Film Commission and the Scale7 accelerator by Qatar Development Bank. Together, these initiatives have supported Al Mana Film Studios’ strategic growth while strengthening its regional industry connections.
Looking ahead, Al-Mana believes the GCC’s film industry is entering one of its most promising chapters.
With increasing government support, private investment, streaming platforms, and international partnerships fueling growth, he sees significant opportunities for filmmakers who can balance creative excellence with commercial thinking.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on long-term value, embrace collaboration, and remain committed to authentic storytelling. “The greatest opportunities will belong to those who can combine regional identity with global appeal while building businesses that are as sustainable as the stories they tell,” he says.
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When Abdulrahman Al-Mana was studying film and television production at Keele University in the UK, his ambition was straightforward: to make films.
Immersed in a mature filmmaking environment, he experienced firsthand how independent cinema, studios, film communities, and cultural institutions worked together to nurture talent and build a sustainable creative industry.
Returning to Qatar, however, he recognized a different reality.
Tamara Pupic • Editor in Chief, Entrepreneur Middle East
Entrepreneur Staff
Tamara Pupic is the Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East.
