If you are still deciding on plans for tonight, here is one that costs nothing. Uptown Dubai’s The Plaza Season kicks off with a free film night on Friday, October 2, 2026, running from 7PM until midnight. Film Society returns for its fourth season with “Film It Like You Mean It” — a short-film competition screening six selected short films by emerging filmmakers from the UAE and the MENA region, all judged by the Film Society jury. Entry is free, but registration is required.

Tonight’s Programme: Films, a Panel and Live Music

The centrepiece of the evening is the competition screening: six short films from emerging UAE and MENA filmmakers, shown on the big screen and scored by the Film Society jury. Alongside the films comes an industry case-study panel on “Obsession (2025)” by Curry Barker — a chance to hear a working filmmaker break a project down in front of a live audience. The night closes out with networking, music and an awards segment, so it works as a social night out as much as a screening.

The Short Version: Time, Place and Cost

For anyone scanning for the essentials:

  • What: Film Society Season 4 — “Film It Like You Mean It” film night
  • When: Friday, October 2, 2026, 7PM to midnight
  • Where: The Plaza, Uptown Dubai
  • Cost: free entry, but registration is required

Free evenings like this are some of the best-value nights out in the city — we have rounded up more of them in our guide to free things to do in Dubai.

Night-time open-air plaza event with string lights, food stalls and a crowd
An open-air evening event at a Dubai plaza, glowing under string lights.

What Is The Plaza Season?

The Plaza Season is a curated calendar of free events spread across 21,000 square metres of open-air space — the open-air events heart of Uptown Dubai, connecting the landmark Uptown Tower with the district’s commercial and residential areas. Tonight’s film night is only the start: the programme also features “RESET: Evening Reset by YOFIT” wellness sessions, plus fitness, culture and independent cinema events running through the cooler months. The season’s unveiling was covered by the Dubai City Guide blog in September 2026. For more to do around the area, see our Dubai Marina area guide and the city’s top places to visit.

Tall modern glass skyscraper lit up at night, viewed from a plaza below
The night skyline around Uptown Dubai, seen from below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tonight’s film night at Uptown Dubai free?

Yes. Entry is free, but registration is required — make sure you sign up before heading over.

What time does the film night start and end?

The event runs from 7PM to midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026.

What films are being shown tonight?

Six selected short films by emerging filmmakers from the UAE and the wider MENA region, screened as part of Film Society’s fourth-season competition and judged by the Film Society jury.

What else is on the programme besides the films?

An industry case-study panel on “Obsession (2025)” by Curry Barker, plus networking, music and an awards segment.

What else is happening during The Plaza Season?

The season runs through the cooler months with fitness, wellness, culture and independent cinema events — including “RESET: Evening Reset by YOFIT” wellness sessions. The whole calendar is free to attend.