The 2025 edition of the European Film Festival Abu Dhabi officially opened on Monday, 23 June, at the Cultural Foundation. Organised by the European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi - a cultural centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) - and with the support of EU Member States Embassies and Cultural Institutes in the UAE, the festival runs until Sunday, 29 June.

The evening was attended by a distinguished gathering that included Ambassadors, diplomats, senior government officials, and leading figures from Emirati and European cultural and cinematic institutions and communities, alongside prominent guests and general public.

The official inauguration was marked by a warm welcome speech delivered by Mr Iñigo Febrel, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the UAE, setting the tone for a week of cultural exchange and cinematic discovery.

"We are truly delighted by the reception to our opening night," said Mr Febrel. “We are proud to bring the European Film Festival back to Abu Dhabi. At a time marked by regional tensions and global challenges, culture offers a space for connection, reminding us of our shared values and humanity. The European Union is keen to continue strengthening ties with Emirati society, advancing social and cultural understanding, and building closer people-to-people connections through initiatives like this festival.”

Following his remarks, attendees enjoyed the festival's first screening: the acclaimed Latvian film Flow, winner of the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The atmosphere at the Cultural Foundation and the strong turnout reflected a shared passion for storytelling and cultural dialogue between Europe and the UAE.

The festival’s rich programme continues throughout the week, offering audiences 17 European films from a diverse range of countries, including Latvia (Flow), Poland (Dangerous Gentlemen), Netherlands (Bigman), Malta (Carmen), Germany (Two To One), Czechia (Living Large), Austria (Mond), France (The Musicians), Italy (Io Sto Bene), Bulgaria (The Trap), Lithuania (Remember to blink), Ireland (Tarrac), Hungary (Four Souls of Coyote), Sweden (UFO Sweden), Spain (Ramona), Romania (Horia), and Slovenia (Riders).  

A key highlight is the highly anticipated Emirati film Mountain Boy, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate UAE talent alongside European cinematic productions.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this cinematic and cultural journey. For the full programme, tickets, and more information, visit www.euff.ae.

The European Film Festival (EUFF) is a global initiative organised by the European Union in over 90 countries, including across the GCC, promoting European culture, diversity, and values through the power of film.