Latest news with #CityofLifeContinuum
Al Etihad
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Arab Media Forum panels highlight power of human stories, AI risks
28 May 2025 09:59 DUBAI (WAM) A session titled "City of Stories" was held on the second day of the Film and Gaming Forum, organised by the Dubai Films and Games Commission under the umbrella of the Dubai Media Council, as part of the Arab Media Summit session brought together Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa. It was moderated by Ahmad Abdullah, Director of Dubai TV Channel, for an engaging discussion attended by a wide audience of directors, content creators, and professionals from the film and digital gaming sectors.A teaser for City of Life Continuum, the sequel to Ali Mostafa's groundbreaking 2009 debut The City of Life, was screened yesterday at the Arab Media Summit. The original film marked a milestone in UAE cinema as the first local production to achieve box office success, coinciding with the country's early efforts to establish a domestic film and TV the session, Mostafa said Dubai remains full of untold stories, and that only Emirati directors can truly portray the city's soul and diversity. 'We know our traditions, and if a foreigner wants to do an Emirati film, we should be the ones doing it—of course, depending on the story,' he session discussed the City of Life Continuum, a sequel to The City of Life, which aimed to showcase Dubai's soul and director stressed the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge in cinema and hinted at potential future projects, including a series leveraging the strong brand name The City of hinted at doing part three of the movie. However, he said, 'Even if I don't do part three, I could make a series. I could make a series of 10 episodes, with each episode featuring 10 different nationalities and how they lead a life in Dubai.'Another session at the forum, titled "The Rise of Drama in the Digital Age", examined how Arab drama is adapting to the digital era. Moderated by Al Arabiya's Sarah Dandrawi, the panel featured Egyptian director Mohamed Sami; Tariq Al Ibrahim, Director of MBCI and MBC Drama, and Content Director at Shahid; and Ahmed Qandil, Director of Direct to Consumer Business at panellists agreed that while technology is reshaping how stories are produced and consumed, human stories rooted in social reality remain its most powerful and enduring Sami said that while platforms have changed how viewers watch content, the foundations of successful drama remain the same. 'The Arab world loves human stories—dramas that reflect family life and social realities,' he said. 'Whether streamed or broadcast, these are the stories that resonate most deeply with audiences.' He added that human stories tend to appeal across national and cultural lines, both regionally and emphasised that many of the most successful series on streaming platforms still follow traditional TV storytelling styles, particularly the format associated with Ramadan dramas: emotional arcs, familiar pacing, and accessible themes.'Content or shows that make a success on TV, which cater to a wider family audience, will be successful on digital platforms, but the opposite is not true. Content that is developed for a digital platform might not be successful on TV.'Al Ibrahim seconded that sentiment, noting that digital on-demand platforms offer greater creative freedom than traditional television, which typically caters to the family unit. He explained that platforms enable bolder storytelling and a wider range of topics, thanks to audience segmentation and greater viewer Ibrahim emphasised that strong writing remains the cornerstone of any successful production, regardless of platform or format. He noted that effective content creation is a holistic process that depends on alignment across all players involved—from writers and directors to data teams, producers, and platform panellists agreed that creative success relies on this collaborative synergy, with Mohamed Sami describing the production process as 'a chain of trust and collaboration,' united by the shared goal of delivering content that resonates creatively and on that, Qandil stressed the need for regional productions to match international standards in both quality and storytelling to maintain relevance and compete pointed to the increasing influence of data and audience insights in guiding production choices—from the type and tone of stories to their length and release schedules. 'Today, it's about reading the numbers—understanding what audiences are watching, how long they stay engaged, and what they want more of. That's what shapes our decisions.' The Secret Weapon The summit also saw a highly anticipated session titled 'AI: Secret Weapon or Your Worst Nightmare?' during the Arab Media Forum received rapt attention from the audience and spotlighted Dubai's and the UAE's renewed efforts to harness the vast potential of the path-breaking session, held under the auspices of the Dubai Media Council as part of the Arab Media Summit 2025, featured Dr. Marwan Alzarooni, Chief Executive Officer of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism; and Hamad Al Shirawi, Director of Projects at Dubai Future at the outset of the session, Dr. Alzarooni put to rest any guesses on AI's influence across diverse spheres of life, emphatically stating, 'AI is here to stay.'The UAE is taking bold steps to leverage AI, and this marks just a start, he added. On the media scene too, a series of economic initiatives are putting in place a value chain for media content creators, he Alzarooni said it was never too late to join the AI wave and there were opportunities aplenty to upskill through online content and initiatives in the UAE. The onus was very much on individuals to put it to the best use in every aspect of life. Dubai continues to obtain proof of the value AI brings to various government entities, and sectors such as healthcare, property technology, logistics and sustainable manufacturing are among key focus areas, he also cautioned that the disparity between AI users and non-users would only grow wider with users standing to obtain significantly more granular content at are industries where the gap between AI users and non-users is already stark, he said, adding that we are heading in the direction of 'vibe coding,' which will see 'one-man startups' effectively carrying out tasks with markedly reduced overheads and turn, Al Shirawi emphasised Dubai's and the UAE's vision to 'embrace' AI. Constantly working alongside public entities to catalogue best use cases involving AI, Dubai is extremely keen to harness the immense possibilities of the technology, he provided the example of Dubai Police and their use of AI to achieve a 300 per cent improvement in solving cases involving lost and found possessions. A mundane task prone to human error had been made immensely easier and with superb outcomes by applying AI, he pointed Shirawi elaborated that the emphasis in Dubai and the UAE was always to take people along when ushering in change, as in the case of AI. He sought to allay concerns around AI, harking back to the scenario when the internet first came along, triggering massive apprehensions of job losses and economic instabilities, until people eventually said it was important to understand challenges and the productivity gains that could be achieved through AI, reaffirming that Dubai was the best place to be where innovation was cited the One Million Prompters initiative as an example of this readiness to be the first mover. The concept was to raise the baseline for AI adoption and empower AI experts based on best use cases from various sectors. In conclusion, Al Shirawi stressed that AI is no longer a secret weapon and has instead become a must-have arrow in everyone's quiver, and it is up to people to capitalise on it. His caveat: deciding not to use it might lead to a nightmare situation.
Campaign ME
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Role of strategic distribution in advancing new-age content
Today, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have grown in prominence in a globalised world that is undergoing dramatic shifts in the content space. The region's vivid tales and timeless traditions appeal to audiences well beyond its borders. By presenting us with stories that strike a balance between universal appeal and authenticity, MENA content creators are breaking new ground and changing the face of global content creation. Two crucial components — regional storytelling and strategic distribution — are at the heart of this shift, serving as avenues for cultural representation, as well as artistic and commercial growth into global markets. Cultural tapestry The majority of MENA's creative output was previously viewed through the prism of news reports or stereotypes. Over the years, the MENA region's storytelling has evolved to combine traditional themes with contemporary ones like identity, resilience, and innovation. Similarly, stories from the region frequently emphasise the importance of familial bonds and social well-being, displaying the power of relationships and the role of community in lives. But this is now changing rapidly. New-age storytellers are reinventing narratives by presenting new, genuine, and complex viewpoints that go against clichés. The region taps into its rich cultural heritage to present stories that speak to viewers locally and globally, which is an obvious reminder of how values and emotions cut across national borders. Recent triumphs with globally recognised films such as Wadjda and Capernaum prove MENA's capacity to portray stories that have an impact on audiences worldwide, while showcasing its distinct cultural legacy. Another case in point is the in-production City of Life Continuum a truly cross over Emirati International film. The film brings together a stellar Emirati cast and crew together with some leading international counterparts, making the film truly global and very exportable. Completely filmed and produced in Dubai this film will be on more than 200 screens when it is released later during the year and will find its way to international and local streaming platforms in 2026. Strategic distribution of content Here is a key factor in bringing MENA's stories into the global spotlight – effective distribution. Keep in mind that strategic distribution involves more than just posting content online. It involves audience segmentation, language localisation, platform optimisation, and data-driven decision-making. The advent of television, cinema, and the internet resulted in the adaptation of traditional tales into films, TV series, and digital content, making them more accessible to a wider audience. The region employs two key strategies for this–partnerships with global production companies and digital platforms. While regional OTT platforms enable MENA content to be viewed globally through effective dubbing and subtitling, partnerships with international studios promise technical expertise and global reach, both of which readily enhance the visibility of MENA productions on the global stage. In addition to transforming the global content landscape, MENA's strategic distribution and regional storytelling capabilities are promoting cross-cultural collaborations. More importantly, the MENA region continues to be an innovator in narratives and distribution, serving as a model for other regions. This, in my opinion, proves that a localised approach coupled with a global vision can deliver engaging content that appeals to all audiences. This strategy also helps create a more varied and richer content ecosystem that celebrates the uniqueness of every culture. The MENA region's digital content economy is thriving as well, and the modern content landscape is growing in the hands of content producers who create everything from entertainment to education. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as well as improved internet access, are contributing to the growth of this lucrative segment. These developments are not only enhancing the region's visibility but also presenting its rich history and modern energy to the global community. As the premier forum for content creation, industry collaboration, and emerging media technologies in the region, the upcoming CABSAT 2025 proves to be an ideal venue to showcase and learn about these new developments in regional content and distribution channels. The 31st edition of the flagship event brings together key stakeholders from all segments of the media and broadcast industries to assess the impact of these trends in shaping a robust content ecosystem. To conclude, the MENA region's content trajectory towards global recognition promises encouraging prospects. With a growing number of young, tech-savvy storytellers, advanced digital platforms, and a thriving content creation ecosystem, the region is on track to play an even larger role in the global arena. As more regional stories make their way to audiences around the world, the region makes clear that adhering to Western-centric narratives is not always necessary for global success. Aside from that, the stories from the MENA region further reassure the world of the capacity of effective storytelling and distribution to transcend boundaries. By Manoj Abraham Mathew, Director – Dubai Studios, Dubai Media Inc, UAE
Broadcast Pro
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Dubai Studios unveils Ramadan lineup with eight premium productions
Dubai Studios has announced the lineup of eight premium productions for the Holy Month of Ramadan. The diverse slate ranges from local Emirati stories to Khaleeji dramas and co-productions from Syria and Lebanon, reflecting the studio's commitment to high-quality storytelling that resonates across the region. With seven of these productions deeply rooted in Emirati and Khaleeji narratives, Dubai Studios continues to shape the regional content landscape while also expanding its reach through strategic partnerships with top-tier producers across MENA. The studio's partnerships extend to top-tier creatives across MENA, including two standout productions from Syria and Lebanon—one premiering during Ramadan and the other scheduled for post-Ramadan release. Speaking about the shows, Salem Al Youha Almheiri, General Manager of Dubai Studios, said: 'At Dubai Studios, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect cultures and inspire audiences. This Ramadan, we take pride in presenting a lineup that reflects our deep commitment to diverse narratives, exceptional talent, and meaningful collaborations. Each project is a testament to our vision of bringing stories to life—because this is truly 'Where the Story Is'.' He added that Dubai Studios continues to build momentum with an expanding slate that now includes feature films, beginning with City of Life Continuum , recently announced, alongside other exciting projects in the pipeline. Layali Roxy (Syrian Drama) stars acclaimed actors Ayman Zidan and Sulaf Fawakherji in a tale set in 1920s Syria, a period of cultural and social upheaval. The series also marks the long-awaited reunion of Mona Wassef and Duraid Lahham, who last shared the screen 43 years ago in Wadi Al Musk (1982). Directed by Mohammed Abdulaziz, the show blends power struggles, forbidden love and drama to offer a fresh perspective on the Damascene era. Starring Hayat Al Fahd alongside Ibrahim Al Hasawy, Afkar Ommy (Khaleeji Drama) follows the story of Shahah, a strong-willed matriarch whose unyielding control over her family fuels deep-seated tensions and daily conflicts, offering an intricate exploration of family dynamics. A major highlight of the season, Al Cirque (Khaleeji Comedy) reunites Khaleeji acting powerhouses Dawood Hussein and Hassan Al Balam after two decades. Featuring a star-studded ensemble, the show follows a group of convicts sentenced to community service, who unexpectedly find themselves working as clowns in a circus. Under the watchful eye of Shabeeb, they learn that the more they make the audience laugh, the sooner they secure their freedom. Baab Al Seen (Khaleeji Social Comedy) explores themes of family bonds, traditions and modern challenges. Directed by Emirati filmmaker Nahla Al Fahad and written by Maryam Nasser and Maryam Al Qallaf, the show follows a man's struggle to reunite his estranged siblings while balancing life as a single father. The series blends heartfelt connections with comedic twists for a refreshing take on family and belonging. A suspenseful mystery drama, Al Masaar unravels a web of secrets within a family shaken by the death of its patriarch. As tensions rise, hidden agendas and power struggles emerge, creating an atmosphere of intrigue. Directed by Bassem Shaabo and written by Mohammed Al-Enezi and Badr Al-Jazzaf, the show boasts a stellar cast including Mohammed Al-Mansour, Hussein Al-Mansour, and Suzan Najm Al-Din. Watan Omri (Emirati Drama) this emotional drama follows Dr. Badr as he grapples with love, societal expectations, and personal struggle. Torn between following his heart and surrendering to fate, he must navigate difficult choices. Directed by Ammar Radwan and written by Maryam Al Zaabi, Watan Omri features Abdulrahman Al Mulla, Layla Al Maqbali, Fatima Al Hosani and Khaled Al Banai. Dannoun (Emirati Comedy), a comedy following Dannoun, a school bus driver with three wives, whose relentless pursuit of wealth leads to endless mishaps. Directed by Saif Al Sheikh Najib and written by Abdullah Zaid , who stars alongside Ahmed Malallah , Ahmed Al Ansari , Huda Al Ghanem , and Amina Abdulrasoul . Trouble escalates when Sanqoor, newly released from prison, seeks revenge, bringing an unexpected twist to Dannoun's life. Back for its highly anticipated fourth season, Wadeema & Halima delivers its most dynamic chapter yet. Following its remarkable success and high viewership in the previous season, the series returns with new conflicts, unexpected twists, and fresh characters that add depth and excitement to the story. The season features an all-star cast including Suad Ali , Malak Al Khaldi , Marai Al Halyan , Ahmed Abdul Razzak , Amal Mohammed , and Mohammed Al Mazem . These series are widely available across major TV channels and digital platforms in the region, ensuring high audience engagement throughout the holy month.
Campaign ME
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Dubai Studios, AFM Films, Bold Films unveil ‘City of Life Continuum'
Dubai Studios, in collaboration with renowned Emirati producer and director Ali Mostafa, has officially announced City of Life Continuum, the highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking 2009 film City of Life. Filming commenced in Dubai on 17 February, marking the beginning of what is set to be one of the most ambitious film projects ever produced in Dubai and the region. Building on the massive success of the original, this sequel aims to elevate Dubai's position as a global cinematic powerhouse. City of Life Continuum will showcase an international ensemble cast, bringing together some of the finest actors from UAE, Hollywood, Bollywood, Arab world, and beyond. With an intricate, emotionally charged narrative and breathtaking cinematography, the film is set to captivate audiences worldwide and redefine the standards of storytelling in the region. 'This film is a testament to Dubai Studios' vision of elevating the industry to new heights. It is not just a Dubai Studios and AFM Films production – It is a film for all of Dubai and the UAE,' said Salem Al Youha AlMheiri, General Manager at Dubai Studios, and CEO of Media Content at Dubai Media. 'The unwavering support we have received from government entities, including the Dubai Media Council, Dubai Film & Gaming Commission, Dubai Economy and Tourism, RTA, Dubai Police and many more reflects the collective commitment to positioning Dubai as a global hub for cinematic excellence,' he said. This project represents a pivotal moment in Dubai Studios' mission to champion regional storytelling on a global stage. 'This is more than just a sequel – It's a cultural milestone. We are crafting a legacy that extends beyond borders, making Dubai a key player in the international film industry. This is our moment to tell a story that resonates with audiences across the globe,' AlMheiri said. Ali F. Mostafa, the visionary behind City of Life and The Worthy, also expressed his excitement: 'City of Life Continuum is the realisation of a dream that started over a decade ago. This film is not just about showcasing Dubai; it's about uniting global talent to create a universal story that resonates across cultures. We are combining high-end cinematic techniques with the latest advancements in filmmaking technology, from cutting-edge camera work to innovative visual effects, to bring this story to life in a truly compelling way.' The star-studded cast includes Egyptian actor Nour Nabawy, Emirati actor Saoud Al Kaabi, Emirati actor Habib Ghuloom, Chinese actor Lin Yin, Austrian actor Kayode Akinyemi and British-American actor Elodie Grace Orkin. With its diverse, high-profile cast and an unparalleled production scale, City of Life Continuum and Dubai Studios aim to set a new benchmark for UAE cinema, solidifying its place in the global entertainment landscape.
Broadcast Pro
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Dubai Studios and Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa announce sequel to ‘City of Life'
'City of Life Continuum' boasts an international ensemble cast, featuring top talents from the UAE, Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world. Dubai Studios, in collaboration with Emirati producer and director Ali Mostafa, has announced City of Life Continuum , the sequel to the 2009 film City of Life . Filming commenced in Dubai on February 17, setting the stage for reportedly one of the most ambitious film projects ever undertaken in the region. Building on the success of the original, this sequel aims to elevate Dubai's position as a global cinematic powerhouse. City of Life Continuum will showcase an international ensemble cast, bringing together some of the finest actors from UAE, Hollywood, Bollywood, the Arab world and beyond. Speaking about the production, Salem Al Youha AlMheiri, General Manager at Dubai Studios, and CEO of Media Content at Dubai Media, said: 'This film is a testament to Dubai Studios' vision of elevating the industry to new heights. It is not just a Dubai Studios and AFM Films production – It is a film for all of Dubai and the UAE. The unwavering support we have received from government entities, including the Dubai Media Council, Dubai Film & Gaming Commission, Dubai Economy and Tourism, RTA, Dubai Police and many more reflects the collective commitment to positioning Dubai as a global hub for cinematic excellence. This is a moment of pride for the entire nation, as we come together to tell a story that represents our diverse and dynamic culture on an international stage.' He also described the film as a transformative project: 'This is more than just a sequel – It's a cultural milestone. We are crafting a legacy that extends beyond borders, making Dubai a key player in the international film industry. This is our moment to tell a story that resonates with audiences across the globe.' Ali F. Mostafa, the visionary behind City of Life and The Worthy, added: ' City of Life Continuum is the realisation of a dream that started over a decade ago. This film is not just about showcasing Dubai; it's about uniting global talent to create a universal story that resonates across cultures. We are combining high-end cinematic techniques with the latest advancements in filmmaking technology, from cutting-edge camera work to innovative visual effects, to bring this story to life in a truly compelling way.' Dubai Studios hosted an exclusive press conference at Dubai Press Club in Dubai Media Office to unveil its new project. The event featured a star-studded lineup of attendees, including Egyptian actor Nour Nabawy, Emirati star Saoud Al Kaabi, Veteran Emirati actor Habib Ghuloom, Chinese actor Lin Yin, Austrian actor Kayode Akinyemi and British-American actress Elodie Grace Orkin.
