AbdulHamid Juma, Chairman, Dubai International Film Festival

AbdulHamid Juma was appointed the Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival in 2006. He was part of the initial team that, back in 2004, established it and turned it into the world-class event it is today.
He was guided by a belief that through film and art, the gaps between cultures could be narrowed by using one common language to communicate messages of tolerance and understanding. He developed an eclectic taste for varying genres of filmmaking and thrived on educating himself on the new trends in cinema on an international level.His passion then focused on the history of Arab cinema, specifically, the Cinema in the UAE. He became active in supporting independent cinema, especially from the GCC region, and has a keen interest in nurturing thriving local talent. With his foresight and vision, he was the driving force behind the Gulf Film Festival, an annual event that showcases the best in regional cinema to a local and international audience.Being named the third most influential figure in Arab Cinema proved a defining moment in his life. Part of the realization of his dream would be to create an art and film culture in the UAE.AbdulHamid also holds the position of Deputy Director General of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA) with the responsibility to manage the Free Zone's strategic direction and to promote sustainable industry growth in line with the DTMFZA's goals.His early career assignments include Corporate Strategy and Planning Manager and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Dubai Media City. He was later appointed to CEO of DMC. During his tenure at DMC his vision and perseverance attracted over 1000 companies who proceeded to join the unique media community.He was a member of the founding team that put into realization the concept of Dubai Internet City, where he held the position of Commercial Manager. Thereafter, he held senior management positions at Jebel Ali Free Zone and Citibank.He is the holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder and holds a certificate from Harvard Business School's General Manager Programme.AbdulHamid is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (EMMYS). He also sits on the board of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, established in 2008.