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Artist | Filmmaker | Entrepreneur
Ashraf Ghori is an Award-winning artist and filmmaker best known for creating the UAE’s first CGI Science Fiction film ‘Xero Error’ which gained acclaim at prominent film festivals internationally. He is the recipient of the UAE Golden Visa for Pioneering Achievement in the Creative Arts.
Ghori’s expansive body of work in art, comics and film has earned him prestigious accolades, brand associations, and a growing following as an artist and public figure. He is frequently featured as an Official Guest, Speaker or Judge at major events related to art, pop-culture, film and technology,
His accomplishments include keynote speaker engagements, art shows, design consultancy tenures, and acclaimed film, comic book and graphic novel projects.
He founded REMIXX.AI – Dubai’s premier GenAI Studio, A division of Xpanse CGI.
Highlights
From collaborating on artistic projects with prominent personalities to providing his creative vision for Hollywood blockbusters and Royalty, Ghori is often involved behind the scenes of groundbreaking projects.
Al Ittihiad, the official newspaper of the UAE, featured his artwork as a message of hope and positivity for a grieving Nation to honor the UAE’s Martyrs in 2015.
The MBC Group (with the approval of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman, the Ruler of Saudi Arabia), commissioned him to create the official National Day artworks to feature on their Headquarters on multiple occasions. He has also created animations depicting the official History of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives in Riyadh.
The Sheikh Obaid Bin Thani Museum had a permanent display of Ghori’s works for over 10 years, as part of Dubai Department of Tourism’s initiative to promote the UAE’s rich cultural and Islamic heritage. The exhibition located at The Heritage Village in Dubai, was a popular tourist attraction from 2002 to 2015 . Each space in the museum was transformed into informative art galleries housing artworks produced by Ghori.
In 2013 the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum had commissioned him, via Xpanse CGI, to create detailed digital paintings to embellish The Crown Prince of Dubai’s personal website highlighting his much admired poetry.
During his tenure in 2016 & 2017 as the Senior Digital Artist & Consultant for Bayyinah TV in Dallas, he created vivid depictions of the rich history of Islam to accompany in-depth narratives by eminent Muslim Scholar Nouman Ali Khan. He was the Official Design Partner for Dubai Astronomy Group in 2019 & 2020.
Digital & Comic Art
Ghori’s comics and digital art have been covered by scores of publications worldwide including Dark Horse Comics and IDW Publishing.
A self-professed comic geek and an initial advisor of MENA’s largest Comic Convention, Middle East Film & Comic Con, he is frequently invited as a regional celebrity artist at major Pop-culture events including MEFCC & IGN Convention. His work graces the official logo of the IGN Convention.
He was the artist behind UAE’s acclaimed Arabic graphic novel ‘Antara’ which received critical acclaim in the Arab world and beyond, with critics calling it – ‘An experiment worthy of praise’ citing ‘the versatility and sheer genius of the artist’.
In 2015, his collaboration with renowned Canadian-Arab rapper The Narcicyst to create a unique mixed-media project called World War Free Now has been hailed as a cutting-edge project combining music, video, and art together. A limited edition comic was produced by him as part of this alliance.
Ghori’s art style has been described as “Powerful, breaking down boundaries“ by H.E. Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi daughter of The Ruler of Sharjah.
His diverse skill-set and a wide range of work has made Ghori one of the recognized figures of modern digital art in the Middle East. His art covers an eclectic mix of styles and techniques ranging from traditional inks to digital paints, and film to CGI.
Film & Animation
Ghori’s futuristic CGI short, Xero Error had its premiere at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival and was an official selection at other prominent film festivals. It has the unique distinction of being the first CGI Sci-Fi film from the UAE. Xero Error established him as a filmmaker of repute in the UAE film industry and paved the way for creative collaborations on other pioneering film projects.
Among the many films he has collaborated creatively on as Art Director, with Director Nayla Al Khaja, was ‘Malal’, the first Indo-Emirati film. His design expertise was also utilized for ‘City of Life’, the big-budget blockbuster from the UAE. Director Ali Mostafa quoted ‘I am proud to be part of (Ghori’s) portfolio’.
As a Concept and Storyboard Artist he has worked on film and TV projects involving A.R, Rahman (EXPO2020), Tobe Hooper (Djinn) and many others. His recent work as Concept Artist is for the Anthony Mackie-starrer ‘Desert Warrior’ (2022), a Hollywood period epic set in ancient Arabia.
Philanthropy & Environmental Activism
Over the years, Ghori has been actively involved in several humanitarian and philanthropic ventures. He has donated his art to charitable causes and socio environmental awareness campaigns. In 2006 he was a producer of the film ‘Arabana’ which helped in creating social awareness of child abuse. In 2011 he designed the Girls’ Education Campaign for Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
In 2016, in association with Microsoft Gulf, he visited the Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, and held cartoon drawing sessions to bring smiles to the faces of children with special needs – the true People of Determination,
In 2015, all proceeds for his comic ‘World War Free’ with co-creator Narcy were donated to charity in Montreal, Canada. In 2019, he was involved in ‘Beat Diabetes’, an initiative by the Landmark Group to promote a healthy lifestyle in the UAE.
His campaign designs were used to help promote Breast Cancer Support, a UK based NGO providing support to thousands of under-privileged women who can’t afford medication or treatment, He remains an honorary member of the organization.
As an avid supporter of green initiatives for sustainable living, Ghori has been creating environmental awareness through his art since the late 90s.
One of his main collaborators has been the Emirates Environmental Group. He has created the theme designs for several nationwide campaigns for the EEG. These were promoted at schools and universities all across the UAE with students actively participating in the clean up campaign efforts.
Providing inspiration for upcoming artists and influencing the next generation of creatives, Ghori has conducted several art & design workshops at major public events across the MENA region.
Background | Early Life
Ghori’s family moved from Hyderabad, India to Dubai, UAE, in 1975, where his father Moinuddin Ghori, رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ a renowned Businessman and Philanthropist in his own right, started his engineering firm.
Ghori showed prodigious ability in art from his childhood with his first work published at 9 years of age in the pages of UAE’s magazines produced by Khaleej Times and Gulf News. He won his first award for excellence in art at 12.
At age 13, while still in high school, his work was already being widely published earning him a name and following in the MENA region. He completed his high school in Dubai, UAE and graduated as a Graphic Design Major, in Houston, Texas.
He got his start in comics in 1992 with the independently published Tempest Comics, a successful miniseries produced in Houston, Texas.
Resuming his career in the UAE, he founded digital design agency Xpanse CGI in 2007, producing extensive work for Multinational Corporations and Government entities.
He was an early adopter of digital art in the mid 90s and ranks as one of the premier digital artists working today.
Ghori’s creations have earned him a number of prestigious accolades for artistic and technical merit, from being named the ‘Best Upcoming Filmmaker’ in the UAE for his directorial debut ‘Xero Error’ in 2010 to being honored at The World Economic Forum for his work in animation many years later…
Featured Guest & Speaker
ActivateMe Festival, Dubai (2026)
Children’s Initiative of the Year – BrightPop
ASBU Broadcast Pro ME Awards, Dubai (2025)
Chief Guest
Our Own High School, Graduation, Dubai (2025)
Featured Speaker KT150 Event, Dubai (2025)
Award Winner: Industry’s Number 1 Gamer Changer in the Field of Art
ERTC Media & Herald Global, Dubai (2024)
Keynote Speaker – THAT Design Fest 2024
Middlesex University, Dubai (2024)
Recipient of UAE Golden Visa for Pioneer Achievement in the Creative Arts Dubai (2022)
Featured Guest
FCBD, Comicave Dubai (2019, 2022)
Guest Speaker
The English College, Dubai (2020)
Featured Artist
ON.DXB Event, Dubai (2019)
Official Design Partner
Dubai Astronomy Group, Dubai (2019)
Featured Artist
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (2017, 2019)
Featured Artist
Warner Brothers / DC Comics
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (2019)
Judges Panel Beat Diabetes Initiative by Landmark Group, UAE (2019)
Official Guest
Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (2018)
Official Guest
Hakaya MISK, Bahrain (2018)
Featured Artist
Middle East Film & Comic Con (2012 to 2015, 2018)
Art Consultant / Senior Digital Artist
Bayyinah TV, Dallas Texas. Tenure Duration (2016 to 2018)
Official Guest
Sharjah International Book Fair (2017)
Featured Artist / Speaker
Represented by Official Digital Partner Microsoft,
World Art Dubai (2016)
Judges Panel
ADMAF Comic Art Awards, Abu Dhabi (2015, 2016)
Art Exhibit
Game Art Show – Dubai Design District (2015)
Featured Speaker
CreativeMornings, Dubai Chapter (2015)
Chief Guest / Commencement Speaker
Our Own English High School, Dubai ,
Commencement Address for Graduating Class of 2015 (OOEHS, Al Warqa)
Award-Recipient
World Economic Forum – Global Agenda Councils Award (2014) for animation production for World Economic Forum / Global Agenda Council
Official Guest
IGN Convention, Dubai (2013)
Honorary Guest
American Corner of Abu Dhabi Award at Al Hosn University (2013)
Featured on Cinématon
The world’s longest film (2012)
Art Exhibit
Children’s Book Illustrators,
Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (2012)
Winner
Industry Achievement for Events & Entertainment,
SME Stars of Business Awards, Dubai (2012)
Winner
Best Technology Implementation, Xero Error
SME Stars of Business Awards, Dubai (2012)
Finalist
Business Consultant of the Year, Xpanse CGI
SME Stars of Business Awards, Dubai (2012)
CGI Filmmaking MasterClass
SAE Institute, Dubai (2011)
Winner
Made in UAE Awards
Distinguished Achievement Award
Abu Dhabi (2011)
Featured Artist
BoldTalks, Dubai (2011)
Winner
Best Upcoming Filmmaker
Digital Studio Awards ITP, Dubai (2011)
Finalist
Best Animation of the Year, Xero Error,
Digital Studio Awards ITP, Dubai (2011)
Featured Speaker
Celebration of Entrepreneurship Conference, Dubai (2010)
Keynote Speaker
SME Stars of Business Awards & Summit, Dubai (2010)
Art Director
Malal The first Indo-Emirati film (2010)
Director / Creator
Xero Error, The first CGI Sci-Fi film from the UAE (2010)
Judges Panel
Kuwait Advertising Awards, Kuwait (2006, 2007)
Featured Guest
Dallas Fantasy Fair, Dallas Texas (1994)
Art Exhibit
Comic Art Exhibit, San Jacinto College,
Houston Texas (1993)
Founding Member
Tempest Comics, Houston Texas (1993)
