The First and Most Credible Cinema
Convention in the META Region
- 11th - 12th November 2024
- Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai, U.A.E
Principal
Sponsor
Event Overview
META Cinema Special Screenings/Premieres
Better Man
Date & Time: 11th November, 05:00 PM
Cinema 8, VOX Cinemas, City Centre Deira
Language: English
Greytown Girl: Based On A True Story
Date & Time: 11th November, 05:00 PM
Cinema 18, VOX Cinemas, City Centre Deira
Language: English
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Date & Time: 12th November, 07:05 PM
Cinema 3, VOX Cinemas, City Centre Deira
Language: English
Special Screening: Red One
Date & Time: 12th November, 07:45 PM
Dolby Cinema - Level 10, Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall
Language: English
Event In Numbers Over The Years
PR Reach
Cinema Feed
Market News and Updates in the Cinema Industry
The MEA region's box office revenues have been growing at an annual rate of 20%, reflecting a robust demand for cinema entertainment.
Over 50 new cinemas are opening each year across the MEA region, indicating strong investment in cinema infrastructure.
Cinema attendance has surged by 25% in the last five years, driven by a mix of local and international content.
The cinema market in the MEA region is projected to reach $3 billion by 2025, showcasing significant growth potential.
Upcoming Cinema Projects
Client Feedback & Reviews
Top Reasons To Attend
META Cinema Forum is the leading convention specifically tailored for emerging cinema markets.
The forum brings together a wide range of cinema stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region, fostering collaboration, networking, and partnerships on a global scale.
The forum brings together a wide range of cinema stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region, fostering collaboration, networking, and partnerships on a global scale.
The forum brings together a wide range of cinema stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region, fostering collaboration, networking, and partnerships on a global scale.
Exhibitors and presenters showcase the latest innovations, technologies, and solutions shaping the future of the cinema industry, offering attendees a glimpse into the next generation of cinema experiences.
The forum hosts thought-provoking discussions, presentations, and workshops by industry experts, providing attendees with valuable insights, trends, and best practices to enhance their professional growth and development.
With dedicated meeting areas, receptions, and networking activities, the forum offers ample opportunities for attendees to connect, collaborate, and build relationships with industry peers, decision-makers, and potential partners.
The glamorous awards ceremony recognizes and celebrates excellence and innovation in the cinema industry, honoring outstanding achievements and contributions of industry professionals and organizations.
The forum facilitates strategic partnerships, collaborations, and investment opportunities, connecting investors, distributors, producers, and content creators to foster growth, expansion, and development in the cinema sector.
By attending META Cinema Forum, industry professionals and organizations can stay updated on the latest trends, developments, and opportunities in the cinema industry, positioning themselves at the forefront of industry advancements and future growth.
Delegate Demographics
Speakers
META Cinema Forum Director
Great Minds Event Management LLC
Technical Director
Dubai Acoustic Research Laboratory
Senior Vice President,
EMEA Theatrical Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures International
Managing Director
Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures Theatrical Distribution (Middle East), Majid Al Futtaim
Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission
Abu Dhabi Film Commission
Investment and Marketing Expert, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth - Operation Excellence Lead
Oman Vision 2040 Follow-up Unit
Director - Marketing
Tecom Group
Managing Director – Development
Asset Management & Ops Support
Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment
Chief Operating Officer
Star Cinemas
Brand Director
Cinemacity
Chairman
Cinemarine
Business Director
Empire International
CEO
Front Row Filmed Entertainment
CEO and Partner
Alamiya Filmed Entertainment
Head of Acquisitions & Distribution
Front Row Filmed Entertainment
Film Director
Almana Film Studios
Chief Operating Officer
Eagle Films
Group CEO
The Nile Media Entertainment Group, Lagos, Nigeria
Executive Vice President
Zee Entertainment Middle East
Senior Research Director
Media and Entertainment, Omdia
Sr. Dir. Cinema and Partner Management EMEA and India
Dolby Laboratories
Chief Executive Officer
Avalon Group
CEO and Founder
Desert Rose Films
President
Homelands Films
Marketing Director
Majid Al Futtaim Studio Distribution
Sales & Distribution Director
Majid Al Futtaim Studio Distribution
Head of Content Development
3rd Action Productions
Director
UK and Dubai, Chapman Taylor
Principal
TK Architects
CEO/Founder
Mahtatalent Agency
Multi award winning Filmmaker, Actor & Fight Choreographer,
Raaizen Productions
Digital & Publicity Manager
Empire International
Partnership Manager
Empire International
Exhibitor Partnership Manager
Empire International
Co-Founder
MCG Entertainment Consultants
CEO
M.R.S. Packaging Limited
President
Golden Link Inc
Executive Chairman
Golden Link Inc.
Co-founder and CEO
REZCO
Co-founder
CINESync Exhibitor Software
Founder & CSO
DELIVERED.
President
WeTel World Centre For Film & Media
Assistant Professor
Mass Communication, American University of Ras Al Khaimah
Founder
Like Minds
Digital Strategist l Managing Director
Boguslavsky & Co.
Filmmaker, Scriptwriter
Content Development Specialist
Senior Operations Manager
Comscore
Client Insights Manager
Comscore
Founder
Itzy Reviews
Managing Director
Al Arabia Cinema
Agenda
Day 1 Theme: The Infrastructure and Cinema Enhancements
Time
Session
Location
08:00
Registration Opens
Trade Show Opens
Morning Refreshments
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
09:30
META Cinema Opening Ceremony
- Opening Video
- Welcome Remarks from Great Minds Group
- Welcome Remarks from Conference Chairman
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
09:45
Welcome Remarks from Host Sponsor
Speaker:
- TBC
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
10:00
Opening Keynote Address
The New Audience Economy: How AI, Storytelling and Authority Turn Attention Into Commercial Opportunity
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
10:15
Opening Panel Discussion:
Creating a Competitive Film Production Locations in the Middle East and Africa: How to Position the Region to Attract Global Films Productions
- Exploring how competitive incentives, world-class infrastructure, and production support frameworks can attract major international film and television productions to the region
- Addressing key challenges for filmmakers, including permitting, logistics, and cross-border collaboration to create a more seamless production environment
- Examining how governments, film commissions, and industry stakeholders can build sustainable creative ecosystems and position the region as a connected global production hub
- Discussing innovative financing models, co-production opportunities, and investment strategies to accelerate local content creation and international partnerships
- Exploring how screen tourism, sustainable production standards, and ESG-focused practices can drive destination branding, tourism growth, and attract future-ready global studios.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
11:55
Industry Session I
Industry Insights
- This session will highlight the latest solutions and technologies in cinema development. The session consists of three 10-minute presentations from experts in the industry who will provide insights and case studies on the successful application of innovative solutions.
- Industry Insight 1
- Industry Insight 2
- Industry Insight 3
12:30
Trade Show and Networking Break
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
13:30
Fireside Chat
From Talent to Global Icon: How Do you Build a Star the World Wants to See?
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
14:00
Panel Discussion
The Future of Cinema: How Advanced Technologies, AI and Innovation Are Transforming Content Creation and Audience Experiences
- Exploring next-generation screens, immersive sound, premium seating, smart theatre technologies, and AI-driven innovations transforming audience experiences.
- Showcasing innovations in FandB, hospitality, and premium offerings that increase engagement and revenue per visitor.
- Examining experiential cinema concepts, including fan events, festivals, cultural programming, and new formats creating memorable moments beyond the film.
- Discussing how AI-driven workflows, virtual production, VFX, and emerging technologies are improving efficiency and reshaping the future of filmmaking and cinema experiences.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
14:40
Panel Discussion
From Cannes to the Middle East: Building Global Networks for Independent Film
- How independent filmmakers can build international networks and access opportunities across different territories
- Creating stronger connections between European/Cannes networks and the Middle East
- How international film communities can support access to financing, production and distribution opportunities
- The role of female-led industry networks in creating greater visibility, access and opportunities for filmmakers
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
15:20
Panel Discussion
Cinema Marketing and Performance: Transforming Audience Engagement and Maximising the Value of the Cinema Experience
- Exploring how cinemas can optimise existing infrastructure and facilities to create stronger audience connections and increase repeat visits
- Showcasing innovative marketing campaigns, promotional strategies, and partnerships that drive cinema attendance
- Examining FandB innovation, premium offerings, and new revenue streams that enhance the overall cinema experience
- Highlighting loyalty programmes, community engagement, and digital strategies that build long-term relationships with audiences
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
15:55
Closing Remarks from Conference Chairman
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
16:00
Lunch and Networking Break
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
17:00
Shuttle Bus Departure to Cinema
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
17:30
Screening - Studio 1
- *Reserved for Leading Global Studio*
VOX Cinemas City Centre Deira
18:30
Screening - Studio 2
- *Reserved for Leading Global Studio*
- Best Cinema (10 screens + based on attendance)
- Best Cinema (10 screens and below based on attendance)
- Highest Grossing Film (Eng)
- Highest Grossing Film (Indian)
- Highest Grossing Film (Arabic)
- Highest Grossing Film (African)
- Distributor of the Year
- Best Movie Premiere
- Highest Grossing Cinema Exhibitor
- Cinema Personality of the Year
VOX Cinemas City Centre Deira
19:30
Screening - Studio 3
- *Reserved for Leading Global Studio*
VOX Cinemas City Centre Deira
20:00
Shuttle Bus Returns to Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre
VOX Cinemas City Centre Deira
20:30
End of Day 1
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
Day 2 Theme: Increased Revenue across the Value Chain
Time
Session
Location
09:00
Registration
Trade Show
Morning Refreshments
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
10:00
Welcome Remarks from Conference Chairman
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
10:10
Opening Panel Discussion
Cinema and Content Statistics in the Middle East
- Examining META cinema performance against global markets and identifying key drivers of regional growth
- Exploring the latest cinema data, audience trends, and evolving content consumption patterns
- Understanding the impact of demographics, urban development, and emerging audience segments on cinema demand
- Examining how population growth, urban expansion, and major entertainment developments are driving new cinema investment and infrastructure growth across META markets
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
10:50
Panel Discussion:
What Do Local Production Houses Need to Create Global Content
- Exploring talent development strategies and addressing the skills needed to build world-class production capabilities
- Discussing access to advanced production technologies, infrastructure, and resources to support high-quality content creation
- Examining how regional producers can leverage co-production treaties, international financing, and global partnerships to scale local stories for international audiences.
- Addressing funding, marketing, and distribution challenges to strengthen the global reach and commercial success of Arab cinema.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
11:30
Panel Discussion:
Global Distribution for Local Content: How to Ensure Local Content is Picked up Globally
- Discussing challenges in distribution and marketing regional films globally
- Exploring strategies to overcome fragmented distribution networks
- Addressing visibility and transferability of regional content
- Highlighting cultural positioning, narrative universality vs. specificity, and the role of festivals and critical reception in shaping long-term distribution pathways
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
12:10
Industry Session II
Industry Insights
This session will highlight the latest solutions and technologies in cinema development. The session consists of three 10-minute presentations from experts in the industry who will provide insights and case studies on the successful application of innovative solutions.
- Industry Insight 1
- Industry Insight 2
- Industry Insight 3
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
12:45
Trade Show
Networking Refreshments
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
13:45
Presentation
Networking Refreshments
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
13:45
Presentation: Pioneering Agency in Casting, Media Services, Celebrity Management, Entertainment & Event Management
AI in Action: From Customer Experience to Cinema Operations
- How Novo Cinemas is putting AI into practice across the cinema business
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
14:00
Panel Discussion:
Film and Cinema Education
- Exploring how education and training programmes can equip the next generation of industry professionals with the creative, business and strategic skills required for a growing cinema ecosystem.
- Discussing how academic institutions, industry leaders and creative communities can collaborate to develop talent and create opportunities across production, distribution, exhibition and entertainment investment.
- Examining the role of creative communities and industry networks in connecting emerging talent, fostering collaboration and supporting the growth of regional cinema.
- Exploring emerging industry trends, evolving content consumption habits and how innovation, entrepreneurship and new approaches to talent development can support the future growth of regional cinema markets.
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
14:45
Panel Discussion:
Balancing Cinema and OTT Channels: How Can They Complement Each Other to Ensure Collective Success
- Exploring evolving release strategies, including theatrical-first, streaming-first, and hybrid models that maximise audience reach and revenue
- Examining how cinemas and OTT platforms can collaborate to create stronger content ecosystems and expand audience engagement
- Discussing the role of data, analytics, and content innovation in improving audience discovery and personalised experiences
- Highlighting global case studies of successful cinema and streaming partnerships shaping the future of entertainment
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
15:30
Chairman Summary and Conference Wrap up
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
16:35
Shuttle Bus Departure to Cinema
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
17:05
Screening - Studio 3
- *Reserved for Leading Global Studio*
VOX Cinemas City Centre Deira
18:05
Screening - Studio 4
- *Reserved for Leading Global Studio*
VOX Cinemas City Centre Deira
19:05
Shuttle Bus - Return to Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre
VOX Cinemas City Centre Deira
20:00
Awards Ceremony
- Welcome Cocktails
- Entertainment
- META Cinema Awards
Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
META Cinema Forum
Photo & Video Galleries
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Cinema Partners
Content and Distribution Partners
Supporting Partners
Sponsors & Partners
Official Concession Partner
Official Seating Partner
Official Ticketing Partner
Strategic Cinema Screens Partner
ASSOCIATE Sponsor
ASSOCIATE Sponsor
ASSOCIATE Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Strategic Sponsor
Industry Partner
Industry Partner
Industry Partner
Industry Partner
Industry Partner
Media Partners
Project Intelligence Partner
Accommodation
We have arranged a discounted rate at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre for your accommodation needs. Please make sure to book as soon as possible.
The rate is AED 770 for single occupancy, which includes buffet breakfast and all taxes (7% municipality fee, 5% VAT, 20 AED tourism dirham, and 10% service charges).
For Bookings with the special rate: Kindly send the below details to Nada.tawfeek@gmevents.ae
Full Guest Name:
Room Type: Single or Double
Check in date and time:
Check out date and time:
Method of payment: Bank transfer or Payment link
- The hotel’s check-in time is: 2:00 pm and check-out time is 12:00 pm
- Early check-in / Late check-out charges might apply.
- Room bookings are non-refundable, due to special rates, however, changes for the names are accepted till 2 days before the check-in date.
Important:
Please note that room rates and/or categories are subject to availability according to the hotel’s occupancy. Great Minds Event is not responsible in case of rate increase or unavailability of a room category as this is beyond our control.
Floorplan
Register
Ticket Options
- Primary Delegates: (Government, Cinema Owners and Operators, Production & Distribution, Film Crew, Streaming Platforms, Academia, NGO) - $25 + 5% Tax = $26.25
- Vendors and Solution Providers - $2,799 + 5% Tax = $2,938.95
Register
Select complimentary tickets are available for program and event partners. To partner with the event and avail of complimentary tickets, please contact the Program Director leila.masinaei@gmevents.ae
Paid delegate passes can only be secured after the payment is processed via a credit card. Please note that only completing the registration form will not secure a delegate pass for this event. If you do not have access to a credit card and wish to register through other payment methods, or wish for a member of our team to contact you and answer your questions before completing your registration process, please send us an email at partnerships@gmevents.ae with your details and the name of the event and we will contact you as soon as received.
Once you have completed the registration and payment process, please do check your spam/junk folder in case our system generated confirmations are not delivered to your inbox.
