In 2025, "F1: The Movie" was the highest-grossing international movie in the United Arab Emirates, earning approximately million U.S. dollars. The top ten movies list includes a diverse range of productions, from action movies to animations. Most movies were either American or Indian.
Movie preferences in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates boasts a diverse movie industry thanks to its overwhelming expat population. The top-grossing films highlight a strong affinity for Indian cinema, particularly in Hindi and Malayalam languages. Action and adventure movies were by far the most preferred film genres in the UAE. In addition to local cinemas, all major online streaming platforms have a footprint in the market. Netflix was one of the most popular streaming platforms for watching action and adventure movies in the UAE.
UAE film industry investment
As a major tourist destination, the UAE invests heavily in entertainment. In 2021, the country generated the second-highest box office revenue in the Middle East, following Saudi Arabia. Dubai and Abu Dhabi currently have the highest number of cinemas in the UAE. Additionally, the country has been investing in film production. In August 2024, Abu Dhabi’s TwoFour54, a media-free zone, allocated 40 hectares to be the site of a new film studio to attract international producers.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ can support your business.
Box Office Mojo. (May 5, 2026). Leading international box office movies in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, by gross (in million U.S. dollars) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 31, 2026, from /statistics/1396783/uae-top-grossing-international-box-office-movies/
Box Office Mojo. "Leading international box office movies in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, by gross (in million U.S. dollars)." Chart. May 5, 2026. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 31, 2026. /statistics/1396783/uae-top-grossing-international-box-office-movies/
Box Office Mojo. (2026). Leading international box office movies in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, by gross (in million U.S. dollars). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 31, 2026. /statistics/1396783/uae-top-grossing-international-box-office-movies/
Box Office Mojo. "Leading International Box Office Movies in The United Arab Emirates in 2025, by Gross (in Million U.S. Dollars)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 5 May 2026, /statistics/1396783/uae-top-grossing-international-box-office-movies/
Box Office Mojo, Leading international box office movies in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, by gross (in million U.S. dollars) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1396783/uae-top-grossing-international-box-office-movies/ (last visited July 31, 2026)
Leading international box office movies in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, by gross (in million U.S. dollars) [Graph], Box Office Mojo, May 5, 2026. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1396783/uae-top-grossing-international-box-office-movies/
