Flagship firms Emirates, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Madinat Jumeirah renew support of DIFF

The four principal sponsors applauded DIFF's year-on-year success in raising the emirate's profile around the world, adding a vital new cultural dimension at home, and its continuing economic and social contribution. Three of the four - Dubai Duty Free, Emirates and Madinat Jumeirah - are founding sponsors, having partnered with the Festival since its inception in 2004.

DIFF Chairman Abdulhamid Juma thanked the core partners for their unstinting support of the Festival and its mission.

"The success of the Festival over the years owes a great deal to the seamless support extended by Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah. As the flag-bearers of Dubai's success story across the world, they have been instrumental in shaping the Festival and helping us deliver a better Festival every year."

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, the No. 1 duty free operation in the world, said DIFF shares its passion for bringing the world closer and showcasing the best of the world in a quality environment.

"DIFF plays a very special role in bringing together diverse cultures through the universal language of film," said McLoughlin. "In addition, the Festival continues to make a significant economic impact, drawing educators, talent and visitors from all over the world. We are honoured to once more extend our support to DIFF."

Abdul Majeed Ismail Al Fahim, Chairman of Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, said: "In connecting people through the medium of cinema, the Dubai International Film Festival is a celebration of global communities. Its ethos complements the spirit of Pearl Dubai, that seeks to build communities in a superb setting, combining the very best in service, lifestyle and amenities. The Dubai Pearl project that is fast taking shape as an integrated luxury development bears testimony to this vision."

"The Dubai International Film Festival is an event that gives each one of us more reason to be proud as residents of Dubai. The year-on-year success of the event speaks to the untiring efforts that go into its development as a showcase of the richness of the Arab culture and the unique fabric of our communities," he added.


Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group, said the Festival is an excellent cultural investment in Dubai and promotes emerging talent in the region.

"DIFF excels at showcasing Arab talent while bringing the best of the international film industry to Dubai for cultural exchange, debate and creative expression. Emirates is delighted to play a part in achieving these goals, and like many other institutions in Dubai, has benefited tremendously from our relationship with the Festival," he said.

Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group, praised the Festival's success in creating a unique and accessible cultural offering for all residents. DIFF, he added, is also an unrivalled opportunity for the Madinat Jumeirah resort to showcase its renowned facilities and services.

"DIFF embodies Dubai's hospitality and openness to people of all ages and nationalities, and as hospitality leaders we are proud to be closely associated with the Festival once more. The Madinat Jumeirah has housed the Festival since its inception in 2004, and we look forward to remaining its home for many years to come," Lawless said.

DIFF, now in its sixth year, will showcase the finest cinema from across the world and host leading filmmakers and actors, in addition to promoting cinema talent from the Arab world, Asia and Africa.

The sixth edition of DIFF will run from December 9 - 16, 2009.