Abu Dhabi gets first dedicated comic book studio

Abu Dhabi has launched a dedicated comic book studio, the first of its kind in the emirate, called Sandstorm located at Yas Creative Hub.

Part of Abu Dhabi’s Dhs30bn Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) Strategy, Sandstorm encourages aspiring creators to submit their pitches for comic books or graphic novels spanning any genre, theme or style.

The first open call cycle of the commissions programme has opened via its website, with any UAE national or resident eligible to apply. Applications must include a logline, a concise plot summary, three to five concept artworks and further information, with acceptance being on a rolling basis.

Sandstorm studio has launched to establish a dynamic comic book industry in the UAE, as part of #AbuDhabi’s AED30bn Culture and Creative Industries Strategy. The studio will support creatives to have their work published and build sustainable careers. pic.twitter.com/gvL2UlELEM

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) March 1, 2022

Sandstorm will then select the most promising ideas to turn into comic books, with the potential to be internationally published too.

The studio will reportedly connect the authors to publishers and mentors from global studios, who will coach them to help create high-quality final products.

Industry veterans Matt Hawkins and Kuo-yu Liang have been hired as content advisors for Sandstorm.

Hawkins has over 20 years pf experience within the comic books sector, having created and written over 30 new franchises for Top Cow and Image Comics, including Think Tank, The Tithe, Necromancer, VICE, Lady Pendragon and Aphrodite IX. Meanwhile, Liang is a global pop culture advisor who has held executive roles at Penguin Random House, Diamond Comic Distributors, and ReedPOP.

“Abu Dhabi is making bold strides in accelerating the growth of its CCI, empowering people to follow their passions and share their creative visions with the world. Sandstorm will contribute to this vision by offering opportunities that enable homegrown talent to build sustainable careers in the comic book industry, and providing the local community with a powerful platform to express and share their thoughts,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is set to host the 10th edition of the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) from March 4 – 6. It is the first time that the emirate will host the event, and it will be held across across three days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Read: Abu Dhabi to host 2022 edition of Middle East Film & Comic Con