The Gulf state of Qatar is preparing to welcome the Hollywood glitterati onto its shores, for the country's inaugural Doha Tribeca Film Festival.
The festival is just one of a host of projects in the country that are aimed at giving a boost to the arts.
But neighbouring Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates are also working to increase their cultural capital by investing large amounts of money to bring famous names to their region.
Joanna Blundell reports on a rivalry that could transform the Gulf.