Digital shifts in Emirati film

The emerging film sector in the UAE faces new challenges and opportunities with the rise of online streaming services, although these challenges may outweigh the opportunities. This study aims to address the knowledge gap in exploring the impact of online streaming services on the UAE film industry. Through qualitative interviews with ten Emirati industry professionals, the study explores the challenges and opportunities that online streaming services pose to the film industry in the UAE. This study contributes to our understanding of the film industry in the UAE and its response to technological disruption, as it highlights some of the challenges facing the UAE film industry, such as high production costs and a limited market size, which further restrict revenue potential. While streaming services have allowed Emirati films to reach a global audience, a balanced approach is necessary to preserve the unique cultural narrative of Emirati cinema, which ultimately needs more state support, such as financial incentives and specialized film funds.