How UAE-based production house is flipping the narrative in MENA cinema

In a region where the film and production landscape is evolving at lightning speed, 1301 Films stands out—not just as a women-led production house, but as a creative force redefining how stories from the UAE are told and shared with the world. Founded by Hiam Salibi, 1301 Films blends international perspective with regional authenticity, producing original formats that aim to resonate far beyond the Middle East.

With a portfolio that includes the critically acclaimed feature Yellow Bus and high-end campaigns for brands like Aston Martin and Hearts on Fire, Salibi and her team are setting a bold new benchmark for storytelling in the MENA region.

The inspiration behind creating the production house, Salibi says, “was to take creative control and build the kind of original formats I’ve always wanted to create—stories developed in the UAE with the ambition to reach global audiences.” She saw a gap the industry for authentic, locally rooted content told with cinematic quality and international appeal, and decided to fill that space.

In a conversation with City Times, Salibi opens up about her creative journey, the challenges of balancing local voice with global vision, and why the time is now for MENA-born content to take center stage.

As a women-led production house, how do you think your approach to storytelling differs from others in the region?

Our approach to storytelling differs not because we are women, but because of the international influences that make up our team. Our team is a mix of Western and Eastern cultures, so our content is influenced by our exposure to the world. Given our team’s entrepreneurial background, we always prioritise out-of-the-box thinking from idea inception to execution, to ensure we capture both creative breadth and depth.

How do you balance creating content that resonates with regional audiences while also appealing to global markets?

I believe authenticity is what connects audiences. I worked on a feature film that includes four languages, and that diversity is exactly what makes it universal. By telling regionally rooted stories with globally relatable themes, I aim to create content that speaks to both local and international viewers without compromising its cultural identity.

How would you describe the current state of the film and production industry in the UAE? What trends are you seeing?

The film and production industry in the UAE is in an exciting phase of growth. There’s a clear push toward developing original content, with strong support for local talent and stories. At the same time, international productions are being drawn here by the region’s diverse locations, infrastructure, and incentives. One of the key trends I’m seeing is a growing confidence in telling stories that reflect our identity, while still aiming for global reach.

Do you think UAE-based content is getting the global recognition it deserves? What more needs to be done? 

When it comes to global recognition, I believe we have a long way to go. But certainly the content coming from this region is capturing attention. We need to continue to export MENA-born content and showcase the talent that makes up the creative industry in this region.

What makes the UAE a compelling hub for filmmaking and production?

The UAE is a great hub because it offers so much range—deserts, cityscapes, coastline—all in one place. For international productions, it’s super versatile. And there’s real support for original content, which makes it an exciting place to create.

Can you share insights into the making of Yellow Bus and what it meant for 1301 Films?

Being part of the line production and post-production management of Yellow Bus was truly unforgettable. The film’s diversity—featuring four languages—and the incredible team that lived and worked together for a month made it a powerful, emotional journey. For 1301, it was a turning point—it pushed me forward in understanding how we can start producing our original content, which is exactly what we’re focused on now.

What kind of stories do you think the world wants to see from the MENA region right now?

I think the world is ready to see real, grounded stories from the MENA region—ones that go beyond the usual stereotypes. Stories that show the complexity, beauty, struggles, and everyday lives of people here. There’s so much depth, culture, and emotion in this region, and I think audiences everywhere are looking for that kind of authenticity.

What advice would you give to emerging filmmakers in the UAE who want to break into the global market?

My biggest advice is to build genuine collaborations. Filmmaking is a team effort, and surrounding yourself with people who share your vision can take your work to the next level. Stay authentic, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to reach out—some of the best ideas come from unexpected creative partnerships. The global market values fresh voices, and strong teams help those voices shine.