Ashraf Ghori is not your typical creative professional. Based in Dubai, he’s a filmmaker, comic book artist, and digital pioneer — all in one. As the founder of Xpanse CGI, he’s been pushing the boundaries of storytelling by blending visual artistry with cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s a futuristic short film or a high-end brand animation, Ghori brings stories to life with flair and depth.
Back in 2009, when the regional film scene was still finding its feet, Ghori made a bold move. He created Xero Error, the UAE’s first CGI science fiction short film. The futuristic visual experience stood out not just for its technical finesse, but also for being a passion project that broke new ground in Middle Eastern cinema.
Xero Error made waves locally and internationally — including a spot at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. For a film made without major studio backing, this was more than a milestone. It was proof that regional creators could compete on the global stage using vision, grit, and pure creativity.
With Xpanse CGI, Ashraf Ghori turned his vision into a business. The studio specializes in animation, CGI, visual effects, and design-driven storytelling. Over the years, it’s become a go-to name in the UAE for projects that require not just visuals — but emotion, imagination, and impact.
From working with tech brands and governments to collaborating on entertainment content, Ghori’s team approaches every project with a blend of artistic passion and technical precision.
What sets Ghori apart is his versatility. He isn’t boxed into one format or one style. As a comic book artist, he’s worked on graphic novels and independent creations that celebrate South Asian and Middle Eastern narratives. As a filmmaker, he brings cinematic storytelling to formats as diverse as VR, corporate campaigns, and documentaries.
And as a speaker and mentor, he’s helping shape the next generation of digital creatives across the region.
Ashraf Ghori, founder of Xpanse CGI, isn’t just a digital artist — he’s a storyteller who uses every tool available to bring imagination into the real world. Whether through film, comics, or immersive digital content, he’s helping redefine what creative work from the UAE can look like.
And with each project, he’s proving that innovation in visual storytelling doesn’t need permission — just passion and persistence.
Q1: Who is Ashraf Ghori?
He is a Dubai-based filmmaker, comic artist, and founder of Xpanse CGI, known for pioneering CGI storytelling in the region.
Q2: What is Xero Error?
It’s the UAE’s first CGI sci-fi short film, created by Ashraf Ghori and showcased at international festivals including Cannes.
Q3: What does Xpanse CGI do?
The studio produces visual effects, CGI, animation, and branded storytelling content for clients across industries.
Q4: What makes Ashraf Ghori’s work unique?
His ability to merge high-end visuals with deep storytelling across film, comics, and digital media.
Q5: Has Ghori influenced other creators in the region?
Yes, he’s a mentor and public speaker who regularly supports and inspires emerging creatives in the UAE and beyond.
