Photo Search: Cinema in Dubai and the wider UAE 1954 onwards

By Will CarletonJanuary 16, 2026Will Carleton

This from PPHP reader Tom a photo researcher.

“I am a UK-based archive researcher currently working on a book about the history of cinema in Dubai and the wider UAE. I am seeking archival photographs from 1954 onwards that depict cinema buildings, both interior and exterior. I am also interested in any related imagery, such as film posters, cinema screenings, opening events, or film shoots that took place in the UAE.”

Why is it important?

At the turn of the 20th century, there was vast growth in press agencies and photographers due to the massive thirst for images in newspapers. Many are still in existence but others have been sold, absorbed or simply disappeared, effectively leaving gaps in the history of this industry… many agency offices were bombed during the WWII London Blitz resulting negative and print files being water damage from the hoses quenching the fires …most archives were in the building basements.

Photo Search: Cinema in Dubai and the wider UAE 1954 onwards

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