Will Smith appeared in Dubai this week for the Middle East premiere of Pole to Pole with Will Smith, marking the regional debut of the long-gestating National Geographic project. The event took place at the SEE Institute, a net-zero emissions building within The Sustainable City Dubai, a location chosen to mirror the series’ focus on environmental systems, human resilience, and the relationship between people and the natural world.
The premiere drew a mixed audience of government representatives, regional media figures, content creators, and sustainability advocates. Rather than functioning purely as a red-carpet showcase, the evening was structured around a private screening of the opening episode, followed by a moderated discussion. Smith was joined on stage by Allison Fong, Richard Parks, and Bryan Fry, several of the scientists and explorers who participated in the production. Their discussion focused on the practical realities of filming in extreme environments and the collaborative nature of the expedition rather than spectacle alone.
Filmed over five years, the seven-part series documents a 100-day journey across all seven continents. Locations span from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Amazon rainforest, the Himalayas, African deserts, and Pacific islands. While Smith serves as the on-screen guide, the series places equal emphasis on the scientists, indigenous communities, and field experts encountered along the way. The narrative frequently shifts away from endurance challenges to examine local knowledge systems, environmental pressures, and how communities adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
The choice of venue was underscored by remarks from Faris Saeed, founder and chairman of SEE Holding, who framed the series as a reminder that urban development and technological progress must remain connected to ecological and social considerations. His comments reflected broader regional conversations around sustainable infrastructure and long-term quality of life, themes that align closely with the documentary’s tone.
The event was produced by KS Konnect, a Dubai-based consultancy focused on bringing international entertainment and cultural projects to the region. Co-founder Sarah Omolewu noted that the premiere represented a continuation of long-standing creative relationships, as well as Dubai’s growing role as a host for global media events with cultural and environmental relevance.
For Middle East audiences, the series will roll out across multiple platforms. National Geographic will broadcast the premiere episode on January 13, followed by National Geographic Abu Dhabi on January 14. The full series will also be available for streaming on Disney+ starting January 14, making it accessible to viewers across the region.
Rather than positioning itself as a celebrity travelogue, Pole to Pole with Will Smith adopts a slower, more reflective approach. It uses Smith’s public profile as an entry point, but the series ultimately centers on scientific inquiry, environmental realities, and human stories that extend beyond the camera.
