Dubai Hosts Middle East Premiere of Will Smith’s ‘Pole to Pole’ Series
Last night, Dubai’s skyline glittered as usual, but the real star was the planet itself. The blue carpet at The Sustainable City’s SEE Institute—the region’s first net-zero emissions building—set a fitting stage for the Middle East premiere of National Geographic’s “Pole to Pole with Will Smith.” The event was more than a glamorous screening; it was a powerful statement about storytelling, exploration, and our shared future.
Global icon Will Smith was joined by government officials, regional celebrities, and leading voices in sustainability for the launch of his seven-part global exploration series. Five years in the making, the cinematic journey traces a path from the ice fields of Antarctica to the Arctic, traversing the Amazon, the Himalayas, African deserts, and Pacific islands. It’s not just a tour of extremes, but a deep dive into the lives of the people who study and protect these fragile frontiers.
A Setting with a Statement
Holding the premiere at The Sustainable City’s SEE Institute was a deliberate and inspired choice. As Faris Saeed, founder and chairman of SEE Holding, noted, the series “reminds us that progress is not only about how advanced we become, but by how deeply we remain connected to our humanity and our planet.” The venue itself, a beacon of green innovation, mirrored the show’s core message: that future cities and societies must be designed to bring people and nature closer together.
A Conversation with the Explorers
Following a private screening, Smith took to the stage for a live Q&A with three of the expert explorers from the series: Allison Fong, Richard Parks, and Bryan Fry. Their conversation peeled back the layers on what it truly means to venture into Earth’s last wild places. It highlighted the respect required, the science being uncovered, and the urgent stories that need to be told.
A Hub for Purpose-Driven Stories
The event was expertly produced by strategic consultancy KS Konnect, co-founded by Kris Fade and Sarah Omolewu. Omolewu captured the significance of the evening, saying that hosting Smith’s premiere in Dubai was “deeply meaningful.” It reflected both the city’s growing role as a global cultural crossroads and Smith’s own commitment to projects that blend entertainment with a profound purpose. This wasn’t just a show being launched; it was a conversation being started.
How to Witness the Journey
The adventure is just beginning for audiences across the region. “Pole to Pole with Will Smith” will air on National Geographic on January 13 at 8 p.m., followed by National Geographic Abu Dhabi on January 14 at 9 p.m. For those ready to stream the full journey, the series will be available on Disney+ starting January 14.
Last night in Dubai was a reminder that the most compelling stories are the ones that connect us—to each other, to daring explorers, and to the breathtaking, vulnerable planet we all call home. Will Smith’s latest role isn’t as a hero saving the day, but as a guide, inviting us all to look, learn, and feel a deeper connection to the poles of our world and every wonder in between.
Also Read:
Palestinian President Admitted to Hospital in Ramallah
Israeli-Backed Group Kills Senior Hamas Police Officer in Gaza
