Dubai Launches ‘Stories of Our Resolve’ National Film Competition to Capture UAE Community Spirit
By Thasmiya
Dubai has announced a new national film competition titled **“Stories of Our Resolve”**, inviting cinema to become a record of the unity, resilience and community spirit demonstrated across the UAE.
The competition was approved by **Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council**, during a meeting of the Dubai Media Council on September 8, 2026.
The initiative will be organised by the **Dubai Films and Games Commission** and will use short films to document stories reflecting how UAE society came together during recent regional challenges.
## **What is ‘Stories of Our Resolve’?**
“Stories of Our Resolve” is a national filmmaking initiative centred around stories of **community solidarity, resilience and shared experiences in the UAE**.
According to the official Dubai announcement, the competition aims specifically to document the inspiring social cohesion that helped the UAE navigate the repercussions of the crisis that affected the Arabian Gulf region from February 2026 onwards.
Rather than focusing only on filmmaking as entertainment, the project is intended to create a visual record of an important period in the country’s recent history.
## **55 short films will tell the story**
One of the most significant details announced is the scale of the project.
The competition will feature **55 short films divided across four national themes**.
The films are expected to collectively capture different perspectives and experiences connected to the UAE’s response to recent events.
Further details about the four individual themes, submission process and eligibility requirements have not yet been included in the initial announcement.
## **The films will become part of a national digital archive**
The project will go beyond selecting competition winners.
Once completed, the films will be preserved within a **digital archive**, creating a record of this period for future generations. The initiative will also conclude with a **national screening** showcasing the stories produced through the competition.
This gives “Stories of Our Resolve” a documentary and historical purpose alongside its role as a filmmaking competition.
## **Who is organising the competition?**
The competition will be organised by the **Dubai Films and Games Commission**, operating within Dubai’s wider media ecosystem.
The initiative comes as Dubai continues to expand its film, media, gaming and creative industries and seeks to provide platforms for emerging and established creative talent.
The competition was approved during a Dubai Media Council meeting chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed.
## **Can UAE filmmakers apply?**
The announcement confirms that “Stories of Our Resolve” will be a **national film competition**, but detailed application requirements have not yet been publicly specified in the official launch information reviewed.
Details still expected include eligibility criteria, whether participation will be open to residents as well as Emirati citizens, film duration requirements, submission deadlines, technical specifications, prizes and how filmmakers can register.
Anyone interested in participating should therefore wait for the official competition guidelines rather than relying on unofficial application information.
## **Why was the competition launched now?**
The announcement comes as Dubai prepares for the **Arab Media Summit 2026**, which will take place from **September 15 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre**.
The summit’s 2026 edition will feature eight specialised forums, more than 400 speakers from over 23 countries, more than 175 sessions and over 35 special media events, with around 10,000 media professionals and industry stakeholders expected to participate.
Dubai is also preparing to celebrate the **25th anniversary of the Arab Media Award** during the summit.
## **Dubai continues investing in young media talent**
During the same meeting, Sheikh Ahmed reviewed progress on the **Mohammed bin Rashid Scholarship for Media Students**.
The programme has supported **264 students over the past four years**, forming part of Dubai’s efforts to prepare emerging talent for a media industry increasingly shaped by technology and changing audience behaviour.
The film competition adds another creative platform through which storytelling and filmmaking can contribute to Dubai’s wider media ambitions.
## **More competition details are expected**
For filmmakers interested in participating, the most important information is still to come.
As of the initial announcement, authorities have confirmed the competition, its purpose, the 55-film structure, four national themes, national screening and digital archive.
However, **registration dates, application links, eligibility rules, submission deadlines and prize details have not yet been announced in the official information available**.
These details are expected to become clearer as the Dubai Films and Games Commission releases the competition framework.
## **Why this matters**
“Stories of Our Resolve” is designed to turn personal and community experiences into a permanent visual record of an important chapter in the UAE.
By bringing together **55 short films across four national themes**, Dubai is using cinema not simply to tell stories but to preserve them.
For filmmakers and emerging creatives across the UAE, the competition could also provide an important new national platform. The next thing to watch will be the release of the official participation and submission guidelines.
## **Source Credits**
Primary information source: Government of Dubai official announcement