Creative Media Authority (CMA), Abu Dhabi, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Animotion MENA to strengthen the emirate’s position as a hub for next-generation storytelling and AI-driven content, the authority said on Wednesday.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on content for families, children and teenagers, drawing on Animotion’s animation expertise. It includes integrating AI-powered short-form content, talent development and industry enablement, in line with CMA’s mandate to attract creative companies, support UAE-based talent and advance future-facing storytelling.
CMA and Animotion MENA will explore initiatives including AI-powered animation production, the potential creation of an animation academy and youth-focused content formats. The efforts aim to strengthen local production capabilities, build talent pipelines and support emerging creators through industry exposure.
The partnership will also examine vertical content formats targeting teenage audiences, which it said remain underserved globally, and will create opportunities for on-screen talent casting through CMA programmes such as youth camps and talent initiatives.
The collaboration builds on CMA’s existing programmes to develop young talent through hands-on learning, including its Winter Camp and online workshops held during spring break. In partnership with Animotion MENA, sessions introduced students to digital storytelling, visual creativity, character development and responsible content creation.
Participants are expected to progress from training into live-action and animation productions, gaining early career exposure and practical experience. Planned concepts will combine entertainment with themes such as creativity, ambition, teamwork and personal development, while enabling partnerships and brand integrations through CMA’s ecosystem.
Through CMA’s industry drivers, including the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, the agreement positions Animotion as a strategic partner within Abu Dhabi’s creative media landscape. This includes access to industry introductions, production support mechanisms and eligibility for incentive programmes such as the Film Commission’s rebate scheme, which has been expanded to include animation.
“This collaboration reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-term commitment to building a globally competitive creative media ecosystem anchored in talent, innovation and future media,” said Khalid Khoury, CMA’s director for industry development.
Julia Nikolaeva, general manager at Animotion MENA, said the partnership would explore integrating AI technologies into animation, youth programming and education-led initiatives developed in Abu Dhabi and scaled regionally and internationally.
The memorandum aligns with CMA’s broader strategy to foster collaboration across government, education and the private sector, supporting animation, artificial intelligence and youth-driven content as pillars of its creative media economy.
