Mohammed Saeed Harib

Mohammed Saeed Harib, born in 1978 in Dubai, is a pioneering Emirati animator and filmmaker best known as the creator and producer of the groundbreaking animated television series FREEJ. He studied General Arts and Animation at Northeastern University in Boston, becoming the first Middle Eastern 3D cartoon animator.

His passion for animation began while studying abroad, where characters that later became the beloved figures in FREEJ first appeared in his sketchbooks.

He founded Lammtara Pictures in 2005 to produce FREEJ, which debuted in 2006 and quickly gained immense popularity across the UAE and the Arab world for its unique portrayal of four Emirati grandmothers navigating life in modern Dubai.

The show won significant acclaim, including awards such as the Special Country Award at the Hamburg Animation Awards and high viewer ratings during its run. In addition to the TV series, he directed FREEJ FOLKLORE, the largest Arabic theatrical production in the region, blending traditional art with sophisticated modern technology, further solidifying his influence in the entertainment industry.

Beyond animation, he has contributed creatively to campaigns, logos, and photography, including designing the Dubai International Film Festival logo. His innovation and contribution to the cultural landscape of the UAE earned him several accolades, including the Young CEO of the Year award by CEO Middle East magazine, the Emerging UAE Talent Award, and recognition as one of the “World’s Most Influential Arabs” for several years.