The now defunct '' ' Abu Dhabi Film Festival ' '' was created in 2007 and presented works by Arab filmmakers in competition alongside those by major talents of world cinema . It was presented each October , the festival curated " exceptional programs to engage and educate the local community , inspire filmmakers and nurture the growth of the regional film industry . " It was unfortunately brought to a close after eight editions in 2015 . The '' ' Dubai International Film Festival ' '' , was held each December since 2004 , showcases new and exciting cinema from the Middle East , Asia , Africa and beyond . It is the oldest film festival in the Persian Gulf region and aims to promote better cultural understanding through achievements in film . The DIFF has also pioneered several industry initiatives within its Dubai Film Market , which runs concurrently with the festival and is designed to help support and develop the Arab cinema industry . The 2018 festival was officially cancelled and the management announced that it would return in 2019 with a " new approach " . The '' ' Gulf Film Festival ' '' took place annually in Dubai . Held in April , the festival presented the best in cinema from the Persian Gulf region . Festival organizers recently announced the formation of the Gulf Film Market , an initiative aimed at developing local and regional film culture through mentoring and social networks . The market will also help create more opportunities for Gulf filmmakers in training , development , production and distribution . The festival was ' postponed ' in 2014 and it never returned . '' ' Tropfest Arabia ' '' , a short film festival , debuted in 2011 in Abu Dhabi . The festival aims to support emerging talent that might otherwise be excluded from the region ’s film festivals . Tropfest Arabia is a part of Tropfest , the largest short film festival in the world and what many consider the first truly global festival
Abu Dhabi Film Festival
Abu Dhabi Film Festival
Arab film festivals