Cinema of the United Arab Emirates

Cinema of the United Arab Emirates began with a number of feature films that were broadcast on national television during the late 1980s.

The history of cinema in the United Arab Emirates dates back to the mid-20th century, with early screenings taking place in makeshift outdoor venues. One of the first known cinemas was Sharjah Paramount, established around 1945. This open-air theater screened feature films and documentaries, with audiences seated on kerosene drums filled with sand. Similar developments took place in Dubai, where Al Watan Cinema, the city’s first movie theater, was established in 1953 in Nasser Square (now Baniyas Square). These early cinemas primarily catered to expatriate and local audiences, screening a mix of Indian, British, American, Egyptian, and Lebanese films. The presence of Indian cinema was particularly strong, reflecting the demographic makeup of the region at the time.

By the 1960s and 1970s, the popularity of cinema had grown significantly, leading to the establishment of more formalized cinema halls. These included standalone theaters in key urban areas, offering a wider selection of films. However, access to cinemas remained somewhat limited outside major cities, with film screenings often taking place in makeshift venues or through community-organized events.

A significant transformation in the UAE’s cinema landscape occurred in the late 1990s, as standalone cinemas began to decline in favor of multiplexes located within shopping malls. This shift was driven by the country’s rapid urbanization and the emergence of malls as entertainment hubs that combined retail, dining, and leisure activities. The introduction of multiplexes provided audiences with a more modern and immersive cinematic experience, aligning with global industry trends.

The growth of multiplexes also coincided with technological advancements, such as the introduction of digital projection and IMAX screens, which contributed to an enhanced viewing experience. The expansion of major cinema chains, including VOX Cinemas and Reel Cinemas, reinforced the transition toward large-scale commercial cinema complexes. By the early 2000s, the traditional independent cinema halls that had once defined the UAE’s film culture had largely disappeared.  

During the 2020s, the UAE has intensified its efforts to position itself as a regional hub for film production and exhibition. A major initiative in this regard was the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s 2024 decision to increase its production rebate to a minimum of 35%. This incentive aims to attract international productions to the UAE by offering financial benefits for filmmakers who choose to shoot in the country. The move was expected to bolster the local film industry and encourage investment in infrastructure and talent development.

Additionally, IMAX Corporation announced plans in 2024 to expand its presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with up to 67 new cinema locations in the region. This expansion reflects the growing demand for premium cinematic experiences, as well as the UAE’s commitment to maintaining its status as a key entertainment market in the Middle East. The ongoing investment in film infrastructure, combined with an increasing number of local and international productions, underscores the UAE’s ambitions to develop a globally recognized film industry.

The UAE is one of the largest cinema markets in the Middle East, accounting for 30% of total regional box office revenues. This dominance is attributed to continuous investments in cinema infrastructure and strong partnerships with major global film studios. In the first eight months of 2024 alone, the UAE's cinema sector generated AED 517 million in revenue and attracted approximately 11 million cinema visits. The country now hosts 702 screens across 72 locations nationwide, reinforcing its status as a key player in the region’s entertainment industry.

In 2024, the cinema industry in the United Arab Emirates continued its rapid growth, reaching record-breaking milestones. UAE cinema revenues hit AED 800 million (approximately $217.8 million), driven by the screening of 1,262 films and the sale of over 15 million tickets nationwide. This achievement underscores the UAE's strategic investment in its cultural sectors, especially in positioning itself as a regional leader in entertainment and media. Major cinema chains such as Vox Cinemas and Novo Cinemas expanded their offerings, including luxury viewing experiences, Arabic-language films, and sensory-friendly screenings, catering to a diverse and growing audience base. Furthermore, the UAE has increasingly served as a favored destination for international film premieres and festivals, solidifying its role as a bridge between Arab cinema and global markets. Government initiatives, such as the National Media Council’s support for local productions and incentives for foreign filmmakers, have also contributed to the vibrant cinema landscape. This momentum aligns with the broader goals of the UAE’s Vision 2031 plan, which emphasizes cultural innovation and international collaboration. The growth of cinema in the UAE not only reflects economic ambition but also a commitment to fostering storytelling, cultural expression, and cross-cultural dialogue.

In 2002, the Emirates Film Competition was formed thus influencing a generation of Emirati filmmakers to explore the short film format. The competition was merged onto Abu Dhabi Film Festival, which would eventually be shut down along with the Gulf Film Festival. However, the Dubai International Film Festival was founded in 2004 and continues its run till date. In April 2018, it was announced that the 15th edition of the festival would be postponed to 2019, re-launching as a bi-annual festival after running annually for 14 years

In 2005, The Dream became the first Emirati film to be distributed in cinemas across the UAE. The UAE then began to attract South Asian films and television serials, mainly Bollywood and Lollywood productions.

In addition, the UAE has a film studio (Dubai Studio City) which has been built to cultivate film making in the region. The Dubai Film and TV Commission, (DTFC) which was established in line with Executive Council Decision 16 of 2012, is the sole authority that issues film shooting permits in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission issues shooting permits to production companies that hold a valid media zone authority trade license.

In 2008, Majid Abdulrazak became the first Emirati filmmaker to adapt a book into a film based on Wilfred Thesiger's Arabian Sands.

In 2009, the second edition of the Gulf Film Festival saw the premiere of two Emirati feature films for the first time. The Circle, by filmmaker and actor Nawaf Al-Janahi, told the story of Ibrahim, a poet and journalist who captures a thief and finds himself changing lives with him. Director and novelist Saleh Karama also showcased his first feature, Henna, in which the title character's mother is sick, and her frequent fits have led to a divorce; fatherless Henna has to find a way to relate to her new father-figure, a Bedouin relative who arrives from the desert with his camels to visit the family.

The sixth edition of the Dubai International Film Festival in 2009 featured further screenings of The Circle and the premiere of the multilingual City of Life by Emirati director Ali F. Mostafa, which went on to achieve general release in UAE cinemas in the following year.

Nawaf Al-Janahi's film Sea Shadow was released on 17 November 2011. It came out on DVD on 25 September 2013.

The first Emirati Science Fiction feature-length film called Aerials was released on 16 June 2016. Directed by S.A.Zaidi and produced by Ghanem Ghubash, Aerials was released in UAE simultaneously with Independence Day 2 as a contrast of both being alien invasion films.

The UAE also has its own independent cinemas such as The Scene Club and Cinema Akil, founded in 2007 and 2014 respectively. Cinema Akil became the first permanent independent cinema house in September 2018.

Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency's Year of Zayed environmental documentary Zayed's Antarctic Lights which chronicled the adventure of the agency's Team Zayed to Antarctica, where they sent a message to the world in solar lights, won a Bronze World Medal at the New York TV & Film Awards.

Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency's 2021 environmental documentary Wild Abu Dhabi: The Turtles of Al Dhafra which showcases the turtles of Al Dhafra and the agency's conservation programme, won a finalist award in the 2021 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards.