To further strengthen China-Arab cultural ties and deepen film industry cooperation, the highly anticipated Chinese animated film Nezha: The Devil Boy in the Sea (shortened as Nezha 2) will officially premiere across major cinemas in the UAE starting July 17, 2025.
The film is specially released in two language versions:
- Original Chinese audio with English subtitles
- Arabic dubbing with English subtitles
The two versions will be released simultaneously to meet the diverse viewing needs of local UAE audiences, overseas Chinese communities, and expatriates from various countries living in the UAE.
Ne Zha: The Devil Boy Roars in the Sea is another masterpiece of original Chinese animation, crafted by a top creative team. It continues the worldview and character development of Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child, while delivering a full upgrade in visual effects, storytelling, and cultural depth. Since its release in early 2025 in China, the film has achieved impressive box office results and wide acclaim. It has been hailed as “a youthful expression of Chinese culture” and “a contemporary interpretation of Chinese-style heroism.”
Ne Zha 2 is jointly distributed in the Middle East by PBA Entertainment and Saudi Arabia’s CineWaves, with strong support from the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, the Consulate General in Dubai, the China Cultural Center in the UAE, the UAE Media Council, and numerous mainstream Chinese and Arab media outlets. The film will be simultaneously screened in major cinemas across several Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. It marks a new chapter in the friendship between China and the Arab world and encourages more Emirati audiences to visit and explore China.
The premiere of the film is scheduled to take place in Dubai on July 15. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, the Consulate General in Dubai, local cultural institutions in the UAE, Chinese-funded enterprises, mainstream media, and distinguished guests from various sectors will be invited to attend. The event will mark a significant moment as Chinese culture debuts on mainstream cinema screens in the Middle East. The China Cultural Center in the UAE will also host a “Hello, China” tourism promotion on-site.
We sincerely invite our friends in the UAE, Chinese enterprises, overseas Chinese communities, and film enthusiasts to visit the cinemas and enjoy this Eastern hero story that blends tradition and modernity, experiencing the unique charm of Chinese animation.
