Muscat is bringing Artificial Intelligence and filmmaking together with the launch of the Muscat AI Film Festival (MAIFF), creating a new platform for Omanโs creative and technology talent. The festival officially launched on 31 August 2026 and aims to train more than 1,000 Omanis in AI-assisted filmmaking.
Film submissions open on 5 September, with participating films required to be produced using the rmz.ai generative AI platform. The programme will combine filmmaking with practical AI skills, covering areas such as story development, visual generation and editing.
The festival offers a RO20,000 total prize pool, including RO10,000 for Best AI Film, alongside awards for Best Art Direction and Best Technological Innovation. Organisers also plan to involve 40โ60 Omani SMEs, while targeting an international reach of more than 10 million people across 30+ countries.
Creative labs and specialised workshops are planned for October, followed by public screenings of the top five films in November. The festival will conclude with its awards ceremony on 19 January 2027.
