• The film is essentially a road movie following the exploits of a group of expat Arab friends who decide to take a road trip from Abu Dhabi to Beirut in honour of their dead friend who always wanted to make the trip. In true road-trip style, what should be a two-day trip at most stretches out to five days with plenty of drama and adventure along the way. Silvia Razgova / The National
    The film is essentially a road movie following the exploits of a group of expat Arab friends who decide to take a road trip from Abu Dhabi to Beirut in honour of their dead friend who always wanted to make the trip. In true road-trip style, what should be a two-day trip at most stretches out to five days with plenty of drama and adventure along the way. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • The Saudi comedian Fahad Al Butairi, who stars in the film, is a YouTube and Twitter sensation with more than a million followers. Silvia Razgova / The National Reporter: Chris Newbould Section: Arts&Life Usage: undated
    The Saudi comedian Fahad Al Butairi, who stars in the film, is a YouTube and Twitter sensation with more than a million followers. Silvia Razgova / The National Reporter: Chris Newbould Section: Arts&Life Usage: undated
  • Michel Dierickx, director of photography talks with Mostafa. Silvia Razgova / The National
    Michel Dierickx, director of photography talks with Mostafa. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • The nature of the film’s narrative means the crew will be shooting all across the region, though for obvious reasons the scenes crossing Syria will be shot elsewhere, alongside the Saudi ones. Silvia Razgova / The National
    The nature of the film’s narrative means the crew will be shooting all across the region, though for obvious reasons the scenes crossing Syria will be shot elsewhere, alongside the Saudi ones. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • We have some great locations and the look of the film is phenomenal,” says Mostafa. “We have the modern style and the fantastic architecture in Abu Dhabi, then the remote areas, desert and dunes of Saudi, the ancient historical wonders of Jordan, war-torn Syria and, finally, urban Beirut. It’s visually stunning.” Silvia Razgova / The National
    We have some great locations and the look of the film is phenomenal,” says Mostafa. “We have the modern style and the fantastic architecture in Abu Dhabi, then the remote areas, desert and dunes of Saudi, the ancient historical wonders of Jordan, war-torn Syria and, finally, urban Beirut. It’s visually stunning.” Silvia Razgova / The National
  • Chadi Alfons and Fadi Rifaai prepare for a scene. Silvia Razgova / The National
    Chadi Alfons and Fadi Rifaai prepare for a scene. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • “It’s all about the character arc they go through due to events on the road,” says Mostafa. “The trip helps them as friends as well as people. It’s a comedy with a human story that’s also a drama, so a dramedy, kind of an Arab Sideways.” Silvia Razgova / The National
    “It’s all about the character arc they go through due to events on the road,” says Mostafa. “The trip helps them as friends as well as people. It’s a comedy with a human story that’s also a drama, so a dramedy, kind of an Arab Sideways.” Silvia Razgova / The National
  • Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa talks with Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation, and Noura Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of twofour54 and a member of the UAE's Federal National Council as they visit on the set of Ali Mostafa. Silvia Razgova / The National
    Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa talks with Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Image Nation, and Noura Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of twofour54 and a member of the UAE's Federal National Council as they visit on the set of Ali Mostafa. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa works with the crew and actors. Silvia Razgova / The National
    Emirati filmmaker Ali Mostafa works with the crew and actors. Silvia Razgova / The National

In pictures: On set as Ali Mostafa films A to B

Olga Camacho

April 13, 2014

  • English
  • Arabic

We visit Ali F Mostafa on the set of his new feature film From A to B.

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

While you're here
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Dubai World Cup factbox

Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor(9)

Most wins by a jockey: Jerry Bailey(4)

Most wins by an owner: Godolphin(9)

Most wins by a horse: Godolphin’s Thunder Snow(2)

Film