In a New Look.. Dubai Film Festival Returns in 2027

- Mona Ghanem Al Merri, Vice President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, announced on Thursday the return of the Dubai Film Festival on December 8, 2027, in a new format. The announcement was made during her speech at the Arab Media Summit, where she stated: "More than 20 years ago, specifically in 2004, the Dubai International Film Festival was launched with a clear vision, which was for Dubai to be a window for Arab cinema to the world, and a bridge that brings together creators, filmmakers, and different cultures in one place."

She added: "Over 14 years, the festival became one of the most prominent cinematic platforms in the region, opening new doors for hundreds of talents and Arab works, and placing Dubai and the UAE on the map of the film industry." Al Merri clarified that the return of the Dubai International Film Festival "does not mean a return to the past," saying: "We are building on its legacy to start a new chapter, as the region today is different, the film industry is different, and the ambitions of filmmakers in the Middle East are greater than ever; therefore, the first edition of the festival in its new format will be dedicated to celebrating the Middle East and its creators."

The Dubai Film Festival paused after holding its 14th edition in December 2017, and it will return in 2027; "under the umbrella of the Dubai Office for Film and Electronic Games, which is part of the Dubai Media Council."