The Middle East International Film Festival finalist in Best Festival Category for What's On Abu Dhabi Awards 2008

Voted by What's On readers, the first place awarded in the Best Festival Category in Abu Dhabi was the Al Ain Air Show, a major international event held every year at the Al Ain International Airport.

MEIFF came in second place while the Dubai International Jazz Festival which brought together some of the best musical acts and performers in Jazz won third place.

The first edition of MEIFF was held last year from October 14-19 and stunned the UAE with its elaborate opening and closing ceremonies directed and choreographed by award-winning dance veteran Otis Sallid and their wide selection of competition and non-competition films satisfying all demographics across the UAE.

Awards were given out in several categories for fiction, documentary and shorts including the prestigious Black Pearl Awards, the symbol of the festival.

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage MEIFF brought together celebrities and film executives from around the world. The stars of Cairo mingled with those from Bollywood and Hollywood amid the lavishness of the Emirates Palace where no expense was spared for guests of the festival.

The festival is a cultural event dedicated to bringing a diverse slate of international films and programs to the community and introducing filmmakers from around the world to the resources of the region.

MEIFF 2008 will be held from October 10-19 in Abu Dhabi, held once again at the Emirates Palace, and will feature several exciting additions including an environmental film section and a focus on films highlighting the 60 years since the division of Palestine.

The What's On Awards lists the UAE's favourite restaurants, bars and events voted on by the public and recognized and rewarded for their excellence. Conceived seven years ago, more than a million people have cast their votes in thirty categories for their favourite food spots, bars and events throughout Dubai and Abu Dhabi.