In a Hollywood atmosphere and arrangements of the highest standards, the first Dubai International Film Festival was launched, which aims at building a bridge between the Arabic cinema and the rest of the world. The event began with a moment of silence for the soul of the late UAE leader Al Sheikh Zaid Bin Sultan Al Mihian.

Large crowds of some of the most prominent stars from around the world began their stroll on red carpet that was over 40 meters long right before the launch. The night was turned into daylight by amazing lighting equipments that were brought for the occasion. Over 800 VIPs attended the big event composed of stars from Hollywood such as Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s 12” and Robert Zemeckis’ “The Polar Express”, Bollywood like Walter Salles’ “Motorcycle Diaries” and Morgan Spurlock’s “Super Size Me,”, and the Arabic cinema.

The first so-called Gala films, French-Moroccan movie "Le Grand Voyage" and Indian-Canadian movie "Bollywood/Hollywood," both tales of East meets West, are making their Middle East premiere. The five-day Festival is showcasing cinematic talents the world over.

The 77 films representing more than 25 countries are open to a public audience, with 30 of them making their Middle East premiere at the festival and 13 showing for the first time in a Gulf state.