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. Ghori’s expansive body of work in art, comics and film has earned him prestigious accolades, brand ambassadorships, and a growing following as an artist and public fi
gure. He is frequently featured as an Official Guest, Speaker or Judge at major events related to art, pop-culture, film and technology,
( Reference: Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashraf_Ghori )
Early Life
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. His family moved from Hyderabad, India to Dubai, UAE, in 1975 where his father started his engineering firm. 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 majored in Graphic Design at the University of Houston in Texas. He got his start in comics in 1992 with the independently published Tempest Comics, a successful miniseries produced in Houston, Texas. In 2007 he founded digital design agency Xpanse CGI, which has produced extensive work for Multinational Corporations and Government entities. He was an early adopter of digital art in the mid 90s and rose through the ranks to become one of the premier digital artists working today. Career Highlights
His accomplishments include keynote speaker engagements, art shows, design consultancy tenures, high profile commissions and acclaimed film, comic book and graphic novel projects. From collaborating on artistic projects with prominent stars, producing work for Royalty, to providing his creative vision for Hollywood blockbusters, Ghori is often involved behind the scenes of groundbreaking projects. 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 Ghori, via his Xpanse Studio, to create detailed digital paintings to embellish The Crown Prince of Dubai’s personal website highlighting his much admired poetry. Al Ittihiad, the official newspaper of the UAE, featured Ghori’s artwork as a message of hope and positivity for a grieving Nation to honor the UAE’s Martyrs Shuhada al Watan in 2018. The MBC Group (with the approval of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman, the Ruler of Saudi Arabia), commissioned Ghori to create the official National Day artworks to feature on their Headquarters on multiple occasions. Ghori has also created a visual animation depicting the official History of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives in Riyadh, KSA. Filmmaking & Animation
Ghori’s futuristic CGI thriller, Xero Error had its world premiere at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival and was an official selection at other prominent film festivals. Xero Error established him as a filmmaker of repute in the UAE film industry and paved the way for his 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’, known for being the first Indo-Emirati film. His design expertise was utilized for ‘City of Life’, the genre defining big-budget blockbuster from the UAE. Director Ali Mostafa quoted ‘I am proud to be part of (Ghori’s) portfolio’. During his tenure in 2016 & 2017 as the Senior Digital Artist & Consultant for Bayyinah TV in Dallas, he created vivid depictions and animations of the rich history of Islam to accompany in-depth narratives by eminent Muslim Scholar Nouman Ali Khan. As a Concept and Storyboard Artist he has worked on film and TV projects involving A.R, Rahman (EXPO2020) and Tobe Hooper (Djinn) among others. His recent work as Concept Artist is for the Anthony Mackie-starrer ‘Desert Warrior’ (2022), a Hollywood period epic set in ancient Arabia. Comic & Digital 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 the largest Comic Con in the MENA region Middle East Film & Comic Con, Ghori 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 high profile 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, Ghori’s 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 Ghori as part of this alliance. He has been interviewed as a Celebrity Artist in highly publicized videos produced by Samsung Gulf, Ford Middle East, Microsoft Gulf, Sharjah International Book Fair, Doha Tribeca Film Institute, World Art Dubai, Khaleej Times, Gulf News, PBS and many more. Influencer
Recognized as a verified social media influencer in the UAE with a growing following, Ghori has represented brands such as Microsoft, Samsung, OSN, Lenovo, Ford and Warner Brothers / DC Comics. Esquire Magazine featured Ghori as one of the Top 5 digital influencers in the region - and the only artist featured in this category. (Dec. 2014)
From 2011 to 2014, Ghori was a featured art influencer for Samsung's flagship Note series of smartphones. In April 2014 he was the social media ambassador for Ford Middle East's 'Stand Out' campaign for the MENA region. Continuing his brand ambassadorship with Ford, his artworks and an exclusive web comic ‘1001 Miles’ were also used to promote the Ford Mustang 2016 in the Social Media Campaign. In April 2016, he was the face of Microsoft's Campaign to promote Windows 10 and launch Microsoft Surface Pro in the Gulf. This MENA-wide campaign reached millions across the region. Warner Brothers / DC Comics selected Ghori as the featured artist at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2019 to promote their recently-released films including Aquaman & Justice League. Philanthropy
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. Ghori, in association with Microsoft visited the Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs in 2016, and held cartoon drawing sessions to bring smiles to the faces of children with special needs. In 2015, all proceeds for his comic ‘World War Free Now’ 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,
Ghori designed the campaign 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. Environmental Activism
A passionate supporter of environmental activism, Ghori has been creating awareness for environmental causes and sustainable living through his collaboration with the Emirates Environmental Group since the late 90s. 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. Some of Ghori’s campaign designs which he produced for the Emirates Environmental Group
Inspiring the Next Generation
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. Art Style
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 ever expanding skill-set and diverse 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 ranging from traditional inks to digital paints, and film to CGI. A multi-faceted artist, Ghori can alternate between drawing superheroes and warriors to cartoons or realistic fantasy digital paintings with relative ease. His upcoming works will aim to explore the Metaverse. In 2014 Ghori compiled his digital paintings in the art book ‘VAULT’ which featured a Foreword by H.E. Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi
“Appreciation and support for the arts – in all of its wonderful forms – is to my mind one of the most telling indicators of any nation’s commitment to progress and development. Our artists, both as individuals and as a community, in many ways represent the core of our creative drive – our will and our ability to look beyond the everyday and see the beauty, possibility, and opportunity around us. Which is why I believe it is so vitally important to give every possible form of support and encouragement to the artists who call this country home – artists like Ashraf Ghori. The powerful images found between the covers of this book represent more than just the immense talent and skill of an amazing artist, they show what is possible when passion and determination is applied in synergy to break down boundaries and create new opportunities. It is a true pleasure to be part of this artist’s remarkable journey and I hope that this book and his example will inspire others to follow their dreams and make their mark on the world. “
- H.E. Sheikha Bodour Bint
Sultan Al Qasimi
Accolades
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. Chronology
Featured Guest
FCBD, Comicave Dubai (2019, 2022)
Guest Speaker
The English College, Dubai (2020)
Featured Artist
ON.DXB Event, 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 / GAC 2014
Ghori received an award from His Excellency Mohammad Abdulla Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the UAE and the Chairman of the Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Official Guest
IGN Convention, Dubai (2013)
Art Exhibit
Children’s Book Illustrators, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (2012)
Honorary Guest
American Corner of Abu Dhabi Award at Al Hosn University (2013)
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)
Winner
Made in UAE Awards
Distinguished Achievement Award
Abu Dhabi (2011)
Featured Speaker
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)
Winner
Best Production - Malal. 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)
Brand Associations
Microsoft
Featured Artist for the launch of Surface Studio 2. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
2019
Microsoft
Brand Ambassador for Campaign for Windows 10 and Microsoft Surface 4
2015
OSN
Social Media Influencer for Game of Thrones Season 7
2017
Samsung
Social Media Influencer for Samsung’s NOTE series
2011 to 2015
Ford
Featured as an influential Comics Artist for Ford Mustang’s launch campaign - featuring comic art created by Ghori
2015
Ford
Campaign Featured as a Brand Ambassador (Outstanding personality in Art) to launch Ford Focus
2014
Lenovo
Social Media Influencer for Lenovo Phab
2015
Esquire Magazine
Chosen among Top 5 UAE digital influencers
2014
HTC
Social Media Influencer for HTC One
2013
