UAE's top firms confirm support for DIFF 2006

Telecommunications giant etisalat, has also committed to providing communications and technology support to the festival for the second year running.

In the previous two editions of the festival, DDF, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah participated as its 'Founding Sponsors'.

DIFF aims to bring the best of world cinema to Dubai and showcase excellence in Arab films to discerning audiences. It has grown tremendously in the past two years with increase in Red Carpet attendance, ticket sales and the number of movies screened.

The 2006 edition has introduced several new initiatives including the Arab Film Competition, dedicated children's cinema programming, and Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman, DIFF said: "It is with great pride that DIFF continues to command the allegiance of leading organisations in the UAE, who reflect excellence in their respective industries.

"Their continued support of the festival's aims and objectives highlights their confidence in its mission to become the leading international Arab cinema festival in the world. Their logistical and financial support is vital to our progress, and we look forward to working together as partners for many years to come."

Management representatives from the four top-tier sponsors also shared their views on the renewed partnerships.

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, the third-largest duty free operation in the world, said:

"We have an ongoing commitment to support activities that not only bring communities together, but also position Dubai as a leading destination for world class events. Dubai Duty Free's support of DIFF, a strong forum for regional and international creative talent, reflects both these objectives."

Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, one of the world's fastest-growing international airlines, echoed similar sentiments. "Emirates believes in sponsoring events that have universal appeal such as cinema. It helps us connect with our customers and share in their enjoyment. The festival's theme of being a cultural bridge also blends in with our values. Emirates plays a leading role in supporting the growth and development of Dubai, which enjoys an ideal location bridging East and West."

Gerald Lawless, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah, the Dubai based luxury hospitality group, said; "Since the inception of this world-class festival, Jumeirah's affiliation with the bridging cultures, meeting minds adage has grown in strength and enthusiasm. Three years on, we are delighted to once again welcome DIFF back to Madinat Jumeirah, home to the Dubai International Film Festival, and look forward to this year's event being the best yet."

A spokesman for Dubai Pearl said: "As developers of prestigious and luxurious properties, DIFF complements our vision of offering the ultimate customer experience. We are pleased to support this event which celebrates excellence in film and showcases cultural diversity."

Ahmed Bin Ali, Manager Corporate Communications, Etisalat said, "Being a UAE corporation with an international presence, we share some of the common values with an event such as DIFF. Our theme 'Reach' aims at bridging gaps in space and time between our multicultural societies, and this is an attitude clearly shared by DIFF, which represents a platform for various individuals and groups to come and gather under one umbrella. We are proud to be closely associated with such an event."

The third edition of DIFF will run from 10 to 17 December, 2006 when some of the brightest stars of Arab, American, European and Asian cinema will descend on the Red Carpet at Madinat Jumeirah. The eight star-studded days will feature gala parties, screenings, panel discussions and award ceremonies.