The announcement of plans to make a Dh7.3 million film called Dubai... With Love is the latest evidence that the movie scene in the emirate is taking off.
Interest in the industry has come on in leaps and bounds over the past five years with the Dubai International Film Festival boosting UAE-based filmmakers.
Two years ago Hollywood paid a visit when scenes for the film Syriana, starring heartthrob George Clooney, were shot at various locations in Dubai.
Another film to grace Dubai's shores was Code 46, starring Tim Robbins and Samantha Morton.
And with the launch of Studio City, filmmakers from both the UAE and elsewhere will have a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility - which is sure to further promote the movie industry.
Takhayal Entertainment will produce Dubai...With Love - or Dubai... Maa Hobbi - at the new facility.The movie will be about the emirate and written by people living there.
And the concept has received upbeat responses from both industry professionals and the public.
Waqqas Sheikh, 27, is CEO of 16X9 film production house based in Ras Al Khaimah Film City. He worked with the team that produced Syriana when they came to Dubai - and he said the idea for the new film was a winner.
"I have had so many scripts land on my table but nobody has come forward to produce them," he added.
"If this is really going to happen then it is a great idea and will work. In fact I am very interested and would like to be a part of it." Dubai... With Love is set to be released in late winter 2008 across the UAE and then internationally.
Takhayal Entertainment chairman Youssef El Deeb said: "We want people to come out of the woodwork who have good ideas for scripts and are interested in filmmaking.
"Any nationality can take part but we want good stories about daily life in Dubai.
By Adrian Murphy and Rachel McArthur
© Emirates Today 2007
