Dubai International Film Festival to return in 2027

The Dubai International Film Festival will return on December 8, 2027, with the first edition focusing on movies and filmmakers from the Middle East.

The announcement was made at the Arab Media Summit by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club.

The Dubai International Film Festival was launched 22 years ago in 2004 with "a clear vision to make Dubai a gateway to Arab cinema around the world," Al Marri highlighted, adding that "over the course of 14 years, the festival became one of the most prominent cinemas in the region and opened new doors to hundreds of talents and Arab works, putting Dubai and the UAE on the map of the world's cinema industry".

The announcement was made on the final day of the Arab Media Summit, which concluded in Dubai on Thursday.

Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club announces the return of the Dubai International Film Festival under the umbrella of the Dubai Films and Games Commission, part of the Dubai… pic.twitter.com/rnD18luHU0

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 17, 2026

The 15th edition of the festival will reflect the changing needs and aspirations of filmmakers across the UAE, the Gulf and the wider region, while celebrating the creativity and diversity of Middle Eastern cinema.

Its programmes and initiatives will also bring together filmmakers, producers and industry stakeholders to explore new projects, industry trends and opportunities for collaboration.

Hesham Sultan Al Olama, CEO of the Dubai Films and Games Commission, said the festival would bring fresh momentum to the film industry in Dubai and the wider region, create new opportunities for filmmakers and strengthen the international reach of regional cinema.

He added that the Commission would work closely with partners and the creative community in the UAE, the region and internationally, with further details to be announced in due course.