The Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) debuted in 2007, in an effort to rival the "cultural dominance of Dubai",[1] with 152 movies and 186 screenings shown in five Abu Dhabi venues.

With the goal of encouraging independent and auteur-based cinema, eligible filmmakers had access to grants, screenwriting workshops, and personal meetings with industry mentors and experts.

[5] In August 2012 Scarlet left the role, shortly before the event was staged in October of that year, and his colleague Ali Al Jabri took over the position.

The article noted that although the host country then had only a small indigenous film-making industry, the film festival could serve a variety of constructive purposes.

Producers: Anna Maria Monticelli, Emile Sherman, Steve Jacobs The Black Pearl for Best Documentary – $150,000 Stranded Director: Gonzalo Arijon.

Producers: Jim Hickey & Robin Mitchell The Black Pearl for Best Animation – Shot Film – $75.000 Jacinta Director: Karla Casteneda.