The festival will screen two short films by Emirati director Hussain Alansari, as well as a feature on the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has officially opened the fourth edition of the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert festival. Held in the Al Marmoom Desert Reserve, the event aims to bolster Dubai’s burgeoning film industry by providing a platform for creative talents to showcase their work and share their visions with a broader audience.
Running until January 12 under the theme “Where Stories Come to Life,” the festival features screenings of more than 80 films, alongside workshops, panel discussions and talks led by industry experts. The event, part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, highlights Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global hub for creativity and cinematic innovation.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised Dubai’s ability to attract top talent in the film industry due to its cutting-edge infrastructure and supportive creative environment. “Cinema is a unique blend of technical and artistic mastery. It not only captures the essence of societies but also preserves the history and culture of nations,” she said.
The festival’s diverse programme includes 30+ workshops led by renowned experts, with special sessions by Zayed University’s College of Arts and Creative Enterprises. Visitors can also enjoy curated films selected from 240 submissions, including entries competing for awards in the Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition across four categories: documentaries, animation, live-action and AI-generated films.
A key highlight of the event is the Immersive Experience Zone, showcasing AI-driven digital artworks, murals, and installations by artists Ghaleb Hawila, Abdullah Lutfi and Mikhail Antykov. The festival also offers activities such as heritage and musical performances, AI movie creation, planetarium stargazing and desert safari tours.
Sheikha Latifa toured the festival’s pavilions, engaging with participating artists and praising their creativity and powerful messages. “This festival is a celebration of Dubai’s identity and a catalyst for intellectual dialogue, cultural exchange, and the nurturing of young talents,” she noted.
