Cinema Akil

Cinema Akil is the Gulf’s first and only independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to the audiences in the Gulf. Showcasing directors and filmmakers across decades, Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts while amplifying the exposure of international films to a regional audience. Launched in Dubai in 2014 as a nomadic cinema, Cinema Akil has held over 75 pop-up cinemas attracting over 85,000 attendees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. In 2022, Cinema Akil held its first-ever regional pop-up in Doha during the World Cup followed by a popup in Al Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023. In September 2018, Cinema Akil opened its first permanent location in Al Quoz, Dubai making its flagship home the GCC’s first arthouse cinema which has been brought to you Launched in 2014 as a nomadic cinema, Cinema Akil has held over 75 pop-up cinemas attracting over 85,000 attendees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah In 2022, Cinema Akil also held its first-ever regional pop-up in Doha during the World Cup followed by a popup in Al Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023. In September 2018, Cinema Akil opened its first permanent location in Al Quoz, Dubai making its flagship home the GCC’s first arthouse cinema which has been brought to you in partnership with Alserkal. In November 2023, Cinema Akil in 25hours Hotel Dubai opened its purpose-built space as a seasonal outdoor outpost acting as a public cinema and multipurpose venue in Dubai One Central. The independent cinema has grown to launch the UAE’s first-ever Arab Cinema Week in 2022 to celebrate Arab Cinema and has also hosted global film festivals to bring innovative cinematic artworks from the lands of Hong Kong and Italy here in the GCC region. Cinema Akil is a member of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS) which includes members from the MENA region such as Metropolis in Beirut, Zawya in Cairo and Cinematheque du Tangier in Morocco.