Emirates in star attraction

The opening night of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) was abuzz with excitement as a bevy of Hollywood, Bollywood and Arab celebrities walked the red carpet together with Emirates' award-winning cabin crew.

Lights flashed, cameras rolled and hundreds of fans screeched from the sidelines as American superstars George Clooney, Sharon Stone, celebrated novelist Paulo Coelho, Latin music superstar, Gloria Estafan and filmmaker husband, Emelio Estafan graced the red carpet.

The strong Hollywood representation was joined by Egyptian actors Layla Alawi, Ahmed Izz, Farouq Al Fishawi, Mahmoud Yassin, Shahira; Syrian actress Susan Najmeddin; and Indian stars Kabir Bedi, Pooja Bedi, Pooja Batra and Akbar Khan.

Hollywood thriller "Michael Clayton" starring George Clooney flagged off this year's film fest.

Launched in 2004, the Dubai International Film Festival has as its theme "Bridging Cultures, Meeting Minds."

Emirates is a principal sponsor of the Dubai International Film Festival. By bringing visitors from all over the world to celebrate cinematic excellence in Dubai, the festival's objective resonates well with Emirates' own efforts to promote Dubai as a world-class centre for tourism, commerce and sports.