From sci-fi to zombies: Emirati filmmakers push for more original stories on screen

Khaleej Times

30-06-2025

Prominent Emirati filmmakers argue that the country's film movement, though still in its infancy, is progressing with time. However, the Arab world's first sci-fi movie producer, Ghanem Ghubash, told Khaleej Times that much needs to be done for the Emirati film scene to evolve further on the world stage.
Ghubash, along with his partner S.A. Zaidi, created the first science fiction film set in the UAE, with familiar scenes of the Dubai skyscrapers conquered by extraterrestrial creatures. That movie was released in 2016, and a lot has changed since then, Ghubash said.
Another dilemma Ghubash noted was that young filmmakers are 'just trying to imitate what's happening in Hollywood.' He explained, 'they need to create their own stories, their own narratives.'
He added that more film creators should branch out and look into other genres like sci-fi or horror, as Ghubash believes genres are 'missing' from the film scene. 'If we incorporate the right genres or we show what's happening in the families here, the curiosity will start to grow,' he said.
The sci-fi movie producer said his next film will be a zombie movie, something unheard of in the Emirati film scene. 'I'm trying to do a science fiction post-apocalypse. Basically, a story when the world already ended, mixed with a horror survival movie,' he explained. Currently, it is in the pre-production stages, meaning that the crew is still doing casting and location scouting, as well as getting the movie's script approved by a governmental entity.
'A lot of people think that the city is something it's not. They give it a glam light. They think all Emiratis drive, are rich and have jaguars. So, they don't know who the real people here are,' Ghubash said. 'There are a lot of amazing people in the city and they have amazing stories to tell.",
Ghubash said he doesn't think a budget from government grants is going to develop the film scene; rather it is the people. 'You have to gather the right people to make the film scene grow,' he said. 'People who are film enthusiasts who want to struggle through this. You can't do this as a part-time hobby. It takes your full attention.'
Need for more talent
Hamad Saghran, a filmmaker based out of Ras Al Khaimah, agreed that more support is needed for development, especially in the technical field. 'More qualified Emirati professionals are needed, as well as in scriptwriting, where storytelling and cinematic structure need greater focus and nurturing.'
The 37-year-old filmmaker created countless short movies which take place in his native Ras Al Khaimah, and which take heavy inspiration from his heritage and culture.
Saghran added that although some governmental entities, like the Emirates Foundation and the Al Qasimi foundation, backed some of his film projects, they are mostly self-funded. 'Having financial support definitely helps with production quality and creative freedom, but it's not everything,' he said. 'Not getting funding doesn't mean we stop. It just pushes us to find more resourceful ways to bring ideas to life.'
Crucial platforms
In terms of where the future is headed for the country's film scene, Saghran believes progress is still not up to par. He said that the Emirati film movement experienced a 'successful start from 2001 to 2018, thanks to film festivals,' but that the suspension of some festivals, like the Abu Dhabi Film Festival's closure in 2015, led to a 'noticeable slowdown in cinematic activity,' he said.
'Festivals are crucial platforms for showcasing talent and engaging with audiences,' Saghran said. 'Still, there are ongoing efforts by filmmakers across the UAE. Many young creatives are full of potential but lack the necessary support.'
He added that he believes artificial intelligence tools will significantly make it easier for young filmmakers to unleash their full potential, but cautioned that they should be used wisely. 'At the end of the day, filmmaking is an emotional, human-driven experience. Mistakes and imperfections are part of its authenticity,' Saghran said.
Ghubash stated that it is possible for filmmakers to integrate the use of AI in the process. "We can rely on AI to incorporate great works of visual narration, I think it's more accessible," he added.