Jamal Al Sharif, Managing Director of Dubai Media City and Dubai Studio City, is a dynamic young entrepreneur who dreams of putting the emirate on the international film scene. He is very proud of the star-studded Dubai International Film Festival. In 2009 the city was chosen as one of four locations Hollywood blockbuster Mission Impossible 4. And last year, Dubai saw a total of 11 movies being shot here.
Al Sharif started at Dubai Internet City but worked his way up the ranks to Media Manager at Dubai Studio City. In 2008, he was took on a new role as the Director of Dubai Studio City.
He believes very strongly in the potential of his country and its people. “We have allowed the talented people of the UAE to showcase their talent. Today we are recognised worldwide,” he says. He attributes this success to the rulers of the country. “The UAE has seen success, prosperity and development in the last 40 years only because of the unity in the vision of our leaders and the steps they took to take us ahead. In my life I have had to align my strategy with that of my country so that I can develop the talent we have and grow from it just as the leaders of my nation have given opportunities to the people here.”
Al Sharif believes that Dubai has become a hub of media activity and points out that more than 1,100 companies are registered with Media City. “In the ten years of my career I have see tremendous growth — for myself and my city. Dubai is a fast city. I have to be as fast as this city’s vision. It will be hard for me to say where I see myself ten years from now but I know where I stand will surely be where my country expects me to be in terms of its vision and mission,” he says.
He feels he must constantly upgrade himself and plans to study for a PhD in strategy management in the near future. “To lead my team with a strong arm I must equip myself. I have to be a smooth piece in the puzzle and add value to my country and its people,” he explains. His journey has been full of challenges but he sports a never-say-die attitude. “Challenges are part of the growth. Ideas and planning are nothing without execution. Action is important. You have to be passionate about what you do or else you will never get to where you should be,” he says. “Denial is not an option for me. I would rather face my mistakes, learn from them and set my goals accordingly” .
