Meet Xpanse CGI: The Animation Studio Behind the UAE’s First Sci-Fi Film

Xpanse CGI, a Dubai-based company, is rewriting the narrative of animation and visual effects in the Middle East. Founded by Ashraf Ghori in 2007, Xpanse CGI has rapidly become a power within the creative industry of the UAE. Known for creating “Xero Error,” the region’s first computer-generated sci-fi film, Xpanse has become synonymous with state-of-the-art animation, unique storytelling, and high-caliber visual effects, raising the bar for aspiring studios in the region.

“With the vision of delivering state-of-the-art animation and visual storytelling from the UAE to the world at large,” Xpanse did just that by launching its journey in 2007 from Dubai Media City. With CEO Ashraf Ghori being the founder himself, Xpanse made rapid strides under his leadership with a strong focus on a variety of creative projects: corporate videos, branding content, and full-scale animation productions. Founded on a resolve to transform local talent into an international force in the digital arts, it built a studio.

In 2009, Xpanse CGI produced “Xero Error”, the first sci-fi film coming out of the UAE. The success of this film was the biggest achievement for the studio and would go on to make a new benchmark for regional cinema. “Xero Error” gained international notoriety and screened at such famed events as the Cannes Film Festival and Sci-Fi London. Commendations came not only in the technical brilliance but also how it was able to focus on the potential of creating quality digital content that the UAE creative industry might be able to produce.

Xpanse CGI continued producing ambitious projects that definitely showed versatility and great commitment to storytelling. The studio also co-produced “Malal,” the first Indo-Emirati film, through which its reach and influence expanded over cultural lines. In 2012, Xpanse worked on a thriller called “Djinn,” created by ImageNation Abu Dhabi, to work on some major storyboarding assignments. In return, these have proven to be successful examples of the fact that Xpanse is very effective in working with the most diversifying types of content from thrillers and indie films to corporate branding, hence making it very relevant in the regional film and media landscape.

Over the years, Xpanse CGI has won enough awards and accolades to vouch for their excellence and influence in the field. Among such accolades, its most remarkable achievement is the Distinguished Achievement Award for “Levity Xero Error Minus1” by Abu Dhabi University in 2011. Within the same year, Ashraf Ghori won the award for “Best Filmmaker of the Year,” at Digital Studio Awards in Dubai. This achievement acted as the crest of his career and added to the growing reputation of the studio. Technological achievements of Xpanse are also characterized by the “Best Technology Implementation” award received from the SME Advisor Stars of Business Awards, thereby highlighting the pioneering role of the company in animation technology.

Xpanse CGI has also grown with technologies and innovations to advance at the highest level of the industry. Its success in digital artistry has led to a broader portfolio, including website design and digital branding for high-profile clients in Dubai. Constantly in touch with emerging animation and CGI trends, Xpanse stands out in making visual experiences unique for audiences-even as it embraces possibilities in augmented and virtual reality.