Timeframe: Dazzling closing ceremonies of the Middle East International Film Festival 2008

A decade ago, a traditional Arab dance was presented by a young Emirati on a world stage

Performers cheer for a young traditional Emirati dancer during the closing ceremony of the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) in Abu Dhabi on October 19, 2008. Some 70 movies including feature and short films and documentaries competed for the Black Pearl Awards with prizes totalling more than one million dollars, which according to organisers is the world's largest purse for film awards. AFP PHOTO/MARWAN NAAMANI (Photo by MARWAN NAAMANI / AFP)

Marwan Naamani / AFP

Oct 18, 2018

Ten years ago today, Abu Dhabi sparkled on the world stage with the dazzling closing ceremony of the second Middle East International Film Festival at Emirates Palace.

The 10-day event saw 70 films competing for 16 Black Pearl Awards, with prizes totalling $1,000,000 (Dh3,670,000). Shorts, documentaries and feature films were screened at Emirates Palace and cinemas around the capital.

Hollywood guests included Jane Fonda who won a Lifetime Achievement award, MEIFF guest of honour Susan Sarandon, and closing ceremony hosts Joseph Fiennes, and Casino Royale Bond girl Eva Green. The event included a dance showcase featuring a young Emirati boy performing a traditional dance.

We’d like to know what the experience was like for this young man and what he is doing now … do tell.

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