The United Arab Emirates has been making great strides in its film industry over the past few decades. From humble beginnings to international recognition, Emirati cinema has come a long way. Let’s take a look at the 10 most-watched Emirati movies of all time, as of 2025.
1. City of Life (2010)
City of Life is often considered the movie that put Emirati cinema on the global map. Directed by Ali F. Mostafa, this film tells the story of three different people living in Dubai. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways, showing the diversity and complexity of life in the city.
The movie stars both local and international actors, including Saoud Al Kaabi and Alexandra Maria Lara. It gives viewers a glimpse into the fast-paced life of Dubai, from its luxurious hotels to its working-class neighborhoods.
City of Life was a big hit both in the UAE and internationally. It was shown at several film festivals around the world and won many awards. The film’s success opened doors for other Emirati filmmakers and showed that the UAE could produce world-class movies.
2. Dolphins (2014)
Dolphins is a heartwarming adventure film directed by Waleed Al Shehhi. The story follows a young Emirati boy who forms a special bond with a dolphin. Together, they embark on an exciting journey that teaches valuable lessons about friendship and nature.
The movie was praised for its beautiful underwater scenes and its touching story. It was especially popular with families and children. Dolphins helped to show that Emirati cinema could appeal to all ages and produce family-friendly content.
3. The Worthy (2017)
The Worthy is an action-packed thriller directed by Ali F. Mostafa. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce, the movie follows a group of survivors fighting for their lives.
This film was a departure from the usual themes in Emirati cinema. It showed that UAE filmmakers could handle complex, high-concept stories and create exciting action sequences. The Worthy was well-received by audiences who were eager to see a local take on the popular post-apocalyptic genre.
4. Going to Heaven (2015)
Going to Heaven is a touching drama directed by Saeed Salmeen Al Murry. The film tells the story of a young boy who goes on a journey to find his grandmother. Along the way, he learns about family, tradition, and the importance of roots.
This movie was praised for its beautiful portrayal of Emirati culture and traditions. It resonated deeply with local audiences and helped international viewers understand more about life in the UAE. Going to Heaven won several awards at international film festivals, further cementing the UAE’s place in world cinema.
5. Shabab Sheyab (2018)
Shabab Sheyab, which means “Old People’s Youth” in English, is a comedy directed by Yasir Al-Yasiri. The movie follows four elderly friends who escape from their retirement home for one last adventure.
This feel-good comedy was a massive hit with audiences of all ages. It tackled the serious topic of aging with humor and heart. Shabab Sheyab showed that Emirati cinema could produce light-hearted entertainment while still addressing important social issues.
6. Zinzana (2015)
Zinzana, also known as Rattle the Cage, is a psychological thriller directed by Majid Al Ansari. The entire movie takes place in a small police station, where a prisoner must outsmart a dangerous criminal who has taken over the station.
This tense, claustrophobic thriller was unlike anything seen before in Emirati cinema. It proved that local filmmakers could create edge-of-your-seat suspense that could compete with international thrillers. Zinzana received critical acclaim and helped put Emirati genre films on the map.
7. Fan of Amoory (2018)
Fan of Amoory is a sports drama directed by Amer Salmeen Al Murry. The movie tells the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional football player like his hero, Omar Abdulrahman (nicknamed Amoory).
This inspiring film captured the hearts of football fans across the UAE. It showcased the country’s love for the sport and its homegrown talent. Fan of Amoory encouraged young viewers to pursue their dreams and highlighted the importance of hard work and dedication.
8. Scales (2019)
Scales is a unique fantasy film directed by Shahad Ameen. Set in a dystopian world, it tells the story of a young girl who challenges her village’s tradition of sacrificing female children to mysterious sea creatures.
This visually stunning movie pushed the boundaries of Emirati cinema. It combined local folklore with a universal story of female empowerment. Scales received international acclaim and showed that Emirati filmmakers could create thought-provoking, artistic films that appeal to global audiences.
9. The Tornado (2022)
The Tornado is an action-packed disaster movie directed by Mohammed Al-Attar. When a massive tornado threatens Dubai, a team of storm chasers and emergency responders must work together to save the city.
This big-budget spectacle was a game-changer for Emirati cinema. It featured state-of-the-art special effects and thrilling action sequences that rivaled Hollywood blockbusters. The Tornado proved that the UAE film industry could produce large-scale, technically impressive movies.
10. Khorfakkan (2020)
Khorfakkan is a historical epic directed by Ben Mole and Maurice Sweeney. Based on a book by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, it tells the true story of Khorfakkan’s resistance against Portuguese invaders in the 16th century.
This ambitious film brought an important piece of Emirati history to life on the big screen. With its large-scale battle scenes and detailed historical recreations, Khorfakkan showed that Emirati cinema could tackle grand, epic stories. The movie was a source of national pride and helped educate viewers about the UAE’s rich history.
Bottom Line
The success of these 10 movies shows that Emirati cinema has come a long way in a short time. It will be exciting to see what the next decade brings for this young and dynamic film industry.
Young filmmakers in the UAE are now growing up with a strong local film industry to inspire them. They have more opportunities than ever to learn about filmmaking and to share their own stories with the world.
As Emirati cinema continues to grow, we can expect to see even more diverse and ambitious films in the future. From local stories to international co-productions, UAE filmmakers are ready to take on new challenges and create movies that will entertain and inspire audiences around the world.