The festival features screenings of feature films and short documentaries, along with seminars, workshops, and discussions with leading filmmakers.
The UAE Ministry of Culture has confirmed its participation in the fifth Gulf Film Festival, taking place in Oman from 16 to 19 November 2025, with a curated selection of four Emirati films that highlight the nation’s rapidly expanding film industry and its growing influence across the region’s cultural landscape, reported WAM.
Asma Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the National Identity and Arts Sector, reaffirmed the importance of filmmaking as a cornerstone of the UAE’s creative economy and a key element in preserving and promoting national identity. She noted that the Ministry’s involvement reflects its commitment to nurturing Emirati talent and celebrating their accomplishments on regional and global platforms.
The UAE’s film slate for the festival includes HOBA, a psychological horror thriller by director Majid Al Ansari; Al Eid Eiden, a collaborative Emirati-Saudi comedy by Maitha Alawadi; Zamjara, a human drama directed by Alwiya Thani that delves into the tension between ambition and self; and Birthday Girl, a dramatic comedy by filmmaker Bader Mohamed.
Jointly organised by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Gulf Film Festival is a biennial celebration of regional cinema aimed at promoting artistic exchange and strengthening the Gulf’s film ecosystem. Its programme features feature films, short documentaries, workshops, seminars and discussions with leading filmmakers.
The Ministry of Culture’s participation in this year’s edition reinforces its ongoing efforts to support Gulf cinema and continues a legacy that included Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the festival’s third edition in 2016.
