Joining the highly-respected ‘From Above’ series, the special will air in 172 countries and in 43 languages around the world 

The 44-minute documentary features English narration from Academy Award®, Tony®, Emmy®, and SAG® Award winning actor, Jeremy Irons, and Arabic narration from Saoud Al Kaabi, Emirati actor, producer, and TV presenter

The documentary will premiere at a special screening event hosted by the USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Jubilee Park, coinciding with the UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations

National Geographic today announced the launch of THE EMIRATES FROM ABOVE, the latest installment of the highly-respected ‘From Above’ series. Centered around the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the 44-minute documentary marks the first time the global series comes to the GCC.

THE EMIRATES FROM ABOVE leverages cutting-edge aerial cinematography to portray the UAE as never seen before. Featuring breathtaking drone footage at its centerpiece, it also tells the stories of local inhabitants, who share their insights and unique perspectives on the UAE and its many achievements. 

Coinciding with the UAE’s 50th National Day, THE EMIRATES FROM ABOVE celebrates the incredible history, diverse cultures, and technological innovations that have shaped the nation. It also takes an in-depth look at some of the UAE’s iconic landmarks, including the Dubai Frame, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Camelicious, Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Al Ain Oasis, Qasr Al Hosn, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Sir Bani Yas Island.

The global special will be narrated by Academy Award®, Tony®, Emmy® and SAG® Award winning actor, Jeremy Irons, who many may recognize as the voice of Scar in Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994). The documentary will also be released in Arabic on free-to-air channel National Geographic Abu Dhabi across the Middle East, featuring narration by well-known Emirati actor, producer, and TV presenter, Saoud Al Kaabi. 

National Geographic will host a special world-premiere screening of THE EMIRATES FROM ABOVE at Expo 2020 Dubai, ahead of the global release. Presented by the United States Pavilion, the premiere event will take place at the Jubilee Park stage at 7:00PM (UAE) on Wednesday, December 1 and is open to all guests with valid Expo 2020 Dubai entrance tickets. 

To enjoy the documentary from home, tune into THE EMIRATES FROM ABOVE on National Geographic and National Geographic Abu Dhabi, airing on Thursday, December 2 at 10:00AM across the Middle East, with repeats at 3:00PM and 9:00PM (UAE). The anticipated special will also air in 43 languages, in 172 countries on National Geographic. 

THE EMIRATES FROM ABOVE is the latest installment of National Geographic’s highly-rated ‘From Above’ series. Joining previous specials focused on China, Japan, New Zealand, and select European nations, the ‘From Above’ franchise explores, in stunning visual detail, the culture, history, innovation and engineering feats that have helped shape the world as we know it.

THE EMIRATES FROM ABOVE is produced by Windfall Films Ltd. for National Geographic. For Windfall Films, Johnny Shipley and Carlo Massarella are Executive Producers. Carolyn Payne, Rajul Chauhan and Syed Kashif serve as Executive Producers for National Geographic.