Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, announced the revival of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) at the Arab Media Summit last Thursday, confirming the new edition will take place from December 8, 2027.
DIFF ran for 14 editions between 2004 and 2017, and during its most active years was one of the Middle East's most significant film events, serving as a bridge between regional filmmakers and the global film industry. Its decade-long hiatus left a noticeable gap in Dubai's cultural calendar.
Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja described the announcement as feeling "like a plot twist," while fellow filmmaker Majid Al Ansari called DIFF "almost like glue" that brought Emirati voices together and gave the industry a place to celebrate its cinema. Actor Mohamed F Mostafa said the global stage is now coming back to the region, while Cinema Akil founder Butheina Kazim said Dubai can shine again through a new edition, a new voice and a new venue.
Officials said the revived festival will place particular emphasis on regional and local talent, offering Emirati filmmakers and Arabic-speaking creators a platform to showcase their work on an international stage. Full programme details, including competition sections and special guests, are expected to be announced in the coming months.