Dubai International Film Festival announces Gold Sponsors

The high-calibre UAE firms who have pledged their support to the world-class event are Dubai Media Incorporated, Dubailand, Arabian Radio Network, Emirates NBD and MBC.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of DIFF, expressed his thanks to the companies for their support of DIFF's vision:

"DIFF and all the Gold Sponsors have their roots in the Middle East and share a similar international goal of aiming globally while retaining local values and traditions. The Festival is confident in its ability to raise the profile of the region worldwide, and we are excited about reaching this objective with our Gold Sponsors as partners."

Hussain Ali Lootah, CEO of DMI, the country's largest TV broadcaster and creative services group, said: "It is our duty to support an ambitious cultural event like DIFF that gathers world-famous Arab and international movie makers in Dubai. DIFF plays a huge role in highlighting Dubai's success in hosting such as international event for the fourth year now. This goes in line with DMI's main goal of transforming Dubai into an international media hub, hence our 'Partners in Creativity' sponsorship slogan."

Dubailand, the unique 3 billion square foot development, was eager to support DIFF's efforts toward building Dubai's arts and culture, according to Mohammed Al Habbai, CEO of Dubailand: "We aim to give the growing Dubai population a place to live, work and play. DIFF's contributions in this regard have been stellar, giving the Emirates a taste of international cinema and propelling Arab filmmakers onto the world stage. We are proud to lend support to an initiative whose aims we share and whose exponential growth we admire."

Arabian Radio Network (ARN) is a division of Arab Media Group, the largest multimedia group in the Emirates. ARN's Deputy General Manager Mahmood al Rasheed commented: "Music and films have always had a complementary relationship. It was therefore a natural development for the Arabian Radio Network to be involved with DIFF as a Gold Sponsor. Although the mediums are different, DIFF and the Arabian Radio Network remain committed to a common objective of introducing diverse entertainment choices to bring people closer."

MBC is the leading media group in the Middle East, with six television and two radio channels that reach more than 100 million viewers and listeners across the Arab world. Group Head of Marketing, PR & Commercial at MBC, Mazen Hayek, said: "MBC believes in creativity, innovation and quality, so it is natural for us to support events such as DIFF that recognize excellence in the entertainment industry. MBC continually strives to raise the bar in TV entertainment for our loyal and discerning audiences, and it is through exposure to the broad range of movie content at events such as DIFF that viewer expectations grows. MBC is delighted to be involved in this year's event."

Rick Pudner, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates NBD, the banking group that resulted from the merger of Emirates Bank and National Bank of Dubai, expanded on the organization's involvement: "DIFF is the most eagerly awaited cultural event in the Dubai calendar. The city's diverse population has validated DIFF's importance by showing up in great numbers to watch the impressive selection of cinematography. Having a multicultural customer-base, we have always believed in celebrating diversity and protecting our valued traditions while embracing the best in contemporary practices. This is our third year as DIFF sponsors, and we are delighted to be associated with an event that is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Emirati cinema."

The fourth edition of DIFF will run from December 9 to 16, 2007.