• Dubai
• Emirates

The third edition of the ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ festival, organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), is accompanied by art exhibitions, entertaining shows, and a variety of musical performances inspired by the rich history of cinema and the natural beauty of the local environment. This festival enhances the local cinematic landscape, bolsters cultural and creative industries, and substantially supports filmmakers.
Taking place at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve until 21 January, the festival features three art exhibitions showcasing works by creative photographers and people of determination as part of the Authority’s efforts to support emerging talents by providing them with an innovative platform to showcase their artistic works.
The ‘Cinematic Masterpieces’ exhibition includes a unique collection from His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, documenting the evolution of cinematic posters, a significant element in Arab cinema history. The collection features posters from the early days of Egyptian cinema when filmmakers collaborated with foreign artists as well as posters from the era following the emergence of the Egyptian School, with Hassan Mzher being one of its prominent figures, providing inspirational designs for cinematic posters.
Additionally, the ‘Stories at One with Nature’ exhibition presents the perspectives of four photographers from Akaas Visual Arts who contribute to showcasing the allure of nature and its ability to connect with humanity, in addition to eight artistic paintings by students of the Rashid Center for People of Determination, expressing their unique views on cinema, movie scenes, industry stars, and their aspirations for its future. The centre’s students also present a collection of photographs capturing the beauty of Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, establishing it as a prominent desert destination in Dubai. Visual artist Abdallah Al Astad created an eight-metre mural inspired by the aesthetics of Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, blending Arabic calligraphy with the colours of the sunrise and sunset, incorporating flamingos and Arabian gazelles to express the spirit of the region, its environmental diversity and natural beauty.
In this context, His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr emphasised that the ‘Cinematic Masterpieces’ exhibition is part of his interest in documenting the movement and evolution of the Arab film industry, stating: “The cinematic poster serves as a gateway to films, being one of the most important tools relied upon by Arab filmmakers to promote their works. The art of designing cinematic posters has witnessed qualitative leaps, making it a distinctive artistic hallmark in the history of Egyptian cinema, often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of the East.’ The exhibition highlights the stages of development of cinematic posters and the emergence of the Egyptian school, which presented a wide range of impressive artistic models. The exhibition also documents the blind spots of development in Arab cinema from the silent film era to the transition to sound, underscoring the importance of this art as a vital bridge that brings cultures together and contributes to enhancing intellectual dialogue among them.”
Dr Jassim Al Awadhi, the founder of Akaas Visual Arts in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, affirmed that the photographic exhibition reflects the unique features of Emirati photographers and their interaction with the camera and image. He said: “The collection of images in the exhibition expresses various perspectives and multiple viewpoints, showcasing Emirati photographers’ high professionalism and artistic taste. The shots highlight the beauty of nature and document the diversity of wildlife within the country, reflecting the importance of preserving the local environment.” Al Awadhi also pointed out that the ‘Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ festival serves as an inspiring creative space for both established and emerging artistic talents.
Maryam Osman, the general manager of the Rashid Center for People of Determination, emphasised the importance of arts in empowering people of determination, encouraging their abilities, and fostering their expression of internal potential while interacting with society. She stated: “Arts, in all their diversity, represent one of the rehabilitation methods adopted by the Rashid Center for People of Determination, given their impact on the students’ minds and their contribution to modifying behaviours, developing skills, movements, and interactions with their surroundings.” She affirmed that the participation of the centre’s students in the ‘Marmoom: Film in the Desert’ festival is a significant step in enhancing their presence and integration into the social fabric. She added: “The exhibition provides an opportunity to explore the talents of the centre’s students, showcasing their wide imagination, unique perspective towards the film industry and cinema, along with their ability to interact with camera lenses and capture various images highlighting the importance of the Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and its historical significance.”
The festival, supporting the fourth edition of the World’s Coolest Winter national tourism campaign, offers Emirati and resident artists a diverse range of theatrical, musical, and entertainment performances. Participants include Marei Al Halian presenting the play ‘Tawi Gbisha,’ Hazza Al Zhanhani, Deem, Maro and the Band, the violinist Dima, Syrian artist Rayan Jrera, Canadian pianist Sanaz Sotoudeh (Sanaz – Disney Piano), and Tarabeesh Band that specialises in traditional Arabic songs.
The festival is held under the theme of ‘Stories at One with Nature’ in partnership with many public and private entities in Dubai, namely Dubai Film And TV Commission as Lead Partner; Proudly from Dubai, an initiative of Brand Dubai, as F&B Partner; Dubai Media Incorporated, Awaan TV and UAE Media Council as Media Partners; Dubai Municipality, DEWA, Dubai Police, Dubai Corporation For Ambulance Services, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and Hala Ride (Careem) as Supporters; and VOX Cinemas, Sandooq Al Watan, Vision3000, Gamma Engineering, Raindance, Rashid Center for People of Determination, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and Akaas Visual Arts as Content Supporters.