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A bold new era for Emirati storytelling begins as HOBA, the first-ever Arabic-language psychological horror-thriller produced under the collaboration between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Spooky Pictures, officially hits cinemas across the UAE following its glittering premiere in Abu Dhabi earlier this week.

Directed by acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Majid Al Ansari, HOBA combines raw human emotion with haunting suspense, redefining the landscape of Emirati cinema. The film made its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2025 in Austin, Texas—one of the world’s leading festivals for genre films—where it won Best Picture in the Horror Feature category, earning global recognition for Al Ansari and for Emirati filmmaking.

Set within a traditional Emirati household, HOBA follows Amani (portrayed by Emirati actress Bdoor Mohammed), whose world is turned upside down when her husband Khalid (Jasem AlKharraz) introduces a second wife, Zahra (Sarah Taibah, Saudi artist and filmmaker). What begins as a tense domestic drama spirals into a chilling exploration of love, fear, and survival, as a sinister presence takes hold of their home. The cast also includes Eman Tarik as Noor, Amani’s daughter.

Produced by Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Derek Dauchy, and Rami Yasin, with Mohamed Hefzy and Yasir Al Yasiri serving as executive producers, HOBA marks the first Arabic-language project under the Image Nation and Spooky Pictures partnership — a collaboration that fuses Hollywood expertise with authentic Emirati narratives.

Filmed entirely in Abu Dhabi with the support of twofour54, HOBA showcases the emirate’s world-class film infrastructure and its growing reputation as a creative hub for international and regional cinema. Following its UAE release by Majid Al Futtaim – Vox Independent Distribution, the film will also open in Saudi Arabia, distributed through Image Nation’s partnership with Telfaz11.

With its powerful performances, striking visuals, and psychological depth, HOBA promises to leave audiences across the region captivated and marks the beginning of a new era for Arabic-language genre cinema.

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