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"For us, Qatar is the strategic choice to build the future of media within this rapidly growing region. With Media City Qatar's support, we are empowering talent and forging essential connections across the industry."
This statement from Abdulalem Alshamery, Founder & Executive Director of RCD Media Group, reflects the driving force behind a company contributing to Qatar's media landscape. RCD Media Group officially joined the Media City Qatar ecosystem at the start of 2025. This strategic move followed a visit by Media City Qatar leadership to RCD's facilities in Jordan, where they saw the company's ambition and potential.
Abdulalem's passion for production and his belief in the region's potential were key drivers. After learning about Media City Qatar's objectives and ambitious plans, he was confident that RCD Media Group could bring something new and valuable to the market. Recognizing a unique opportunity to fill existing gaps with distinctive offerings, Abdulalem saw Qatar's growing media landscape as an ideal environment for expansion. "Media City Qatar believed in what we wanted to build," Abdulalem shares.
Establishing a Presence in Media City Qatar
RCD Media Group is a creative-led film and media production company established in 2018, with offices in Amman, Doha and London. Although officially founded in 2018, their journey began in 2010 with the launch of their first production house in London, which laid the groundwork for what the company is today. The group now includes five specialised brands covering the full spectrum of the industry, from development and production to post-production, animation and professional training.
The decision to expand into Qatar was strategic, driven by timing, alignment, and a belief in shared growth. RCD's arrival coincided with the evolution of the region's creative sector and Qatar National Vision 2030 for innovation and digital transformation. The rapidly growing and competitive media landscape in the GCC presented a significant opportunity for RCD Media Group. Entering this market was seen as a chance to leverage the momentum in the region and showcase the company's unique capabilities.
The registration of RCD Media Group during Web Summit Qatar 2024 marked a strategic move to seize this opportunity and advance the company's mission of enhancing post-production capabilities and delivering high-quality content.
Media City Qatar facilitated a smooth transition, allowing RCD to quickly focus on its mission.Already, INQ Films, one of RCD’s distinct arms, is operational in Qatar and has delivered several productions, including a cinematic project for Visit Qatar. Rum Pictures, RCD’s dedicated post-production house, also operates in Qatar and handled the full post-production for the Ramadan series Underground, which aired on multiple channels across the region. RCD Media Group also boasts a broad portfolio of clients and partners including Al Jazeera Media Network, BBC, TRT Network, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Jaguar. The other entities, Rum Pictures (specializing in post-production) and SeaMantis Creatives (focusing on VFX and design), are also set to expand into Qatar.
Investing in Qatar's Creative Talent
RCD Media Group’s mission extends beyond immediate production. With Media City Qatar’s support, the team is now developing what is planned to be the Middle East’s first academy dedicated entirely to post-production. This initiative is expected to be a significant contribution to the ecosystem, aligning with both the group's vision and Media City Qatar's strategic goals. This space will offer training, masterclasses, and mentorship from industry professionals, including an Oscar-winning editor. This initiative aims to address a regional gap in post-production skills and give aspiring talent a competitive edge.
Qatar’s creative community has already had a taste of what the academy will offer, with Media City Qatar sponsoring a sold-out masterclass organized by RCD Media. The two-day event in May brought acclaimed French-Iranian filmmaker and two-time Academy Award winner Asghar Farhadi to Qatar, welcoming 60 attendees from across the country’s creative and filmmaking community.
In parallel, RCD hopes to launch soon the Creative Lab, a nonprofit initiative providing free access to editing suites, professional-grade tools, and creative mentorship for students and independent filmmakers. "Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn't," Abdulalem says. "We're here to change that". These initiatives reflect a greater purpose: to empower talent through film, education, and creative collaboration. They align with the company’s long-term vision to help make Qatar a center for post-production and creative storytelling in the region. Abdulalem, coming from a modest background in Yemen where opportunities for talented individuals are limited, envisions establishing the Academy and the Creative Lab not only in Qatar but also in less fortunate areas.
Unlocking Opportunities
Being a licensed company under Media City Qatar has helped open doors and build credibility, making it easier to connect with hiring companies and service providers. Many of them have been more flexible with their rates and eager to collaborate, recognizing the value of working with a Media City Qatar’s licensed company. This has streamlined hiring processes and created a more welcoming environment for professional development and partnerships.
RCD Media Group's journey with Media City Qatar is an example of what can happen when creative ambition meets the right environment. Their presence contributes to Qatar’s media capabilities and its position as a growing hub for post-production excellence and talent development. For other media companies considering Media City Qatar, Abdulalem offers clear advice: "It is important to come with clear ideas and projects. The environment is rich with potential, and Media City Qatar offers substantial benefits and support, but the companies that make the most of it are those that bring innovative concepts and a proactive approach."
