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Dubai Culture marked the closing of region’s largest cultural festival at historic Al Bastakiya

Marking its continued support to the Dubai International Film Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,

the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture),hosted the closing get-together of the festival at the historic Al Bastakiya, overlooking Khor Dubai.

The gathering of the world’s finest minds in film at Al Bastakiya served as an opportunity to highlight the traditional heritage and true cultural identity of Dubai to the festival’s guests.

Originally the seat of the Dubai government and a thriving residential community, Al Bastakiya is managed and owned by Dubai Culture, the Emirate’s dedicated authority for heritage, culture and the arts. Today, with its vintage homes, Khaliji wind-towers and cobblestoned pavements, Al Bastakiya serves as a vibrant arts and cultural destination.

Salem Belyouha, Projects & Events Manager, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “Al Bastakiya is an evocative symbol of Dubai’s cultural roots, and served as a perfect destination to highlight our rich cultural identity to our distinguished guests. Our support to DIFF underlines the commitment to further strengthen the region’s leading film event that aims to promote regional talent and establish Dubai as a hub for a vibrant film industry.”

Mahsa Motamedi, Executive Director of Marketing and Events, Dubai International Film Festival, said: “Since its inception, DIFF has been committed to its credo of ‘Bridging Cultures, Meeting Minds,’ and as the historic and cultural nerve centre of the city, Al Bastakiya was the ideal place to host our guests from across the world. We are honoured to have the continuous support of Dubai Culture, and are positive that together we can make strong inroads in driving the city’s film sector.”

Hosting regular art fairs including the renowned SIKKA Art Fair, Al Bastakiya features a rich showcase of galleries, museums and traditional cafes that are preferred venues for culturally-inclined tourists and residents. The old world charm of Al Bastakiya is also a referral point for Dubai’s own traditional architectural style.

The DIFF box office is open at www.dubaifilmfest.com. Additional information is also available through the Festival’s dedicated customer care number, 363FILM (3456).

The Investment Corporation of Dubaiis the title sponsor of the Dubai International Film Festival. The eighth edition of DIFF is held in association with DubaiStudioCity. Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Pearl, Emirates Airline and Madinat Jumeirah, home to the Dubai International Film Festival, are the principal sponsors of DIFF. The Festival is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. For more and updated information about DIFF, please visit www.dubaifilmfest.com or join DIFF on   and