Cinema Akil is an independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to the audiences in the United Arab Emirates. Showcasing directors and filmmakers across the decades, Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts. Launched in 2014 as a nomadic cinema, Cinema Akil has held more than 80 pop-up cinemas attracting over 50,000 attendees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. In September 2018, Cinema Akil opened its first permanent location in Al Quoz, Dubai, thereby becoming the first arthouse cinema of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Cinema Akil is a member of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS(.