Doha:The Doha Film Festival (DFF) 2026 is set to launch the Cinema Alkhaleej programme, featuring seven films from Gulf countries, from November 19 to 27. This initiative aims to celebrate the diversity of storytelling within the Gulf region, highlighting its cultural heritage, evolving identities, and contemporary realities.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Cinema Alkhaleej programme underscores the Doha Film Institute's commitment to showcasing significant voices from the Gulf. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute and Director of Doha Film Festival, emphasized the programme's role in honoring filmmakers who redefine regional cinema and present new perspectives.

The programme includes feature films such as "My Driver and I" (Saudi Arabia) by Ahd Kamel, which won Best Feature Film at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival, and "Soulala" (Saudi Arabia) by Hisham Fakih, exploring parent-child relationships. Short films in the lineup include "Clouds" (Oman) by Muzna Almusafer, "Dunya's Day" (Saudi Arabia) by Raed Alsemari, "Namoos" (UAE) by Nada Jahed, "An Evening with Laila" (Kuwait) by Haya Alghanim, and "Salem Not Salem" (Bahrain) by Omar Farooq.

Through Cinema Alkhaleej, the Doha Film Festival aims to deepen cultural understanding and highlight the region's diverse narratives, bringing Gulf cinema into a global conversation.