Dubai: 13 November, 2006 - Senior officials of the 12 key Dubai government departments and the Federal Ministry of Education have pledged continued support to the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), as the festival draws closer to its third edition which will take place from 10-17 December.

At a networking event held at the Le Meridien Mina Siyahi, discussions between the DIFF management and government officials focused on finalizing logistical arrangements including hospitality, air and sea customs, traffic control and other functional areas critical to the success of the event that attracts widespread media attention.

Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman, DIFF said: "The success of the festival's previous two editions is a testimony to the collaborative efforts of our colleagues in the Federal and local government departments.

"The operational results of inter-departmental cooperation will continue to serve as our benchmark this year, as we prepare to host a world-class event that reflects top quality standards. In doing that, we will provide our audience with an incomparable film festival experience."

Among those who participated in the festival working group logistical meeting were the departments of Department of Civil Aviation Dubai, Dubai Ports and Customs, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Department of Health and Medical Services, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department, Road and Transport Authority, Dubai Cultural Council, and Dubai TV.

In the run-up to DIFF 2006, these departments are working closely with each other and with the festival management and security team.  The specialty each offers, from customs clearance for incoming specialized festival equipment to collaborating with academic establishments for the volunteers programme, has already established streamlined processes ahead of the festival's week long run in December.

Major Omar Al Shamsi-Chief of Public Relations and Protocol, Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department said: "All of us in the government are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to ensure yet another successful edition of DIFF. We take pride in providing festival guests with a welcoming experience that will reflect Dubai's conformity to quality and showcase it as an ideal film festival destination."

DIFF 2006 expects to draw an audience of over 30,000 people, in addition to close to 100 celebrities from around the world, 550 film makers and industry guests, and more than 650 members of the world, regional and local press.

-Ends-

About- The Dubai International Film Festival
In 2004, a new festival joined the ranks of the world's international film festivals. Using the powerful medium of film to serve as a platform for inter-cultural dialogue and an instrument of global understanding, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) launched with its theme of 'Bridging Cultures. Meeting Minds.'

Going into its third year, the DIFF is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the Chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The DIFF is a not-for-profit cultural event, presented and organized by the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.

DIFF showcases a wide selection of features, shorts and documentaries, from around the world, reflecting Dubai's cosmopolitan and multi-cultural character. The festival further seeks to celebrate excellence in Arab and world cinema by screening a repertoire of critically acclaimed and award winning films.

Located at the crossroads of East and West, and one of the world's fastest growing business and tourist destinations, Dubai provides an ideal meeting point for industry friends and colleagues from around the globe. The array of panel discussions at DIFF instigates a healthy exchange of ideas among a group of progressive film industry professionals, and the networking initiatives hosted by DIFF provide a conducive setting for conducting business.

In both its previous editions, the festival has attracted the attendance of prominent industry figures, including filmmakers and talent from as many as 46 different countries. Several past DIFF guests are currently scouting locations in Dubai for their new film projects.

DIFF 2005
Last year, DIFF took place from December 11 to 17, against the magnificent backdrop of the Madinat Jumeirah Arabian Resort. The festival's registration figures increased dramatically and the audience grew from approximately 18,000 in 2004 to over 30,000 in 2005. The 2005 festival showcased 98 films from 46 different countries, which included 22 Gulf premieres, 38 Middle East premieres, 7 International premieres and 6 World premieres.

DIFF 2006
The third edition of DIFF will take place in early December, 2006. For information on this year's festival, including details on film submission, media and industry accreditation, and other new developments, please visit the website www.dubaifilmfest.com during the year.

For further information, please contact:
Majid Wasi
Account Manager
Jiwin
Tel:  +9714 361 3333
Fax: +9714 368 8001
Email: majid.wasi@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2006