Hollywood icon Will Smith is set to bring his most ambitious adventure yet to the Middle East, as Dubai prepares to host the regional premiere of his epic National Geographic docuseries Pole to Pole with Will Smith on January 9, 2026. Fans and environmental enthusiasts alike will gather at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, a landmark net-zero emissions venue that reflects the series’ powerful message about our planet and the urgent need for sustainable action.
Pole to Pole with Will Smith is no ordinary celebrity project. Filmed over five years and covering a 100-day journey across all seven continents, the seven-part docuseries captures Smith confronting some of the most extreme environments on Earth. From skiing across Antarctica’s icefields and diving beneath Arctic ice to trekking through the Amazon rainforest, the Himalayas, the deserts of Africa and remote Pacific islands.
During the Dubai premiere, Smith will take part in a Hollywood-style red-carpet event, followed by a private screening and live Q&A where he’ll discuss his experiences alongside the scientists, explorers and local guides who joined him on his expedition. This blend of cinematic storytelling and real-world insight has set Pole to Pole apart as one of the most ambitious documentaries of the year, exploring not only breathtaking landscapes but also the human stories and environmental challenges that define them.
Smith has described the journey as “unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” admitting there were moments when he questioned whether he’d make it home. Yet, beyond the physical trials, the series highlights human connection, resilience and hope for the future, painting a picture of a world both fragile and awe-inspiring.
The choice of The Sustainable City for the premiere underscores the series’ emphasis on environmental stewardship. The community is widely recognised as a global model for sustainable urban living, with renewable energy, biodiversity and circular economy initiatives woven into everyday life which is a fitting backdrop for Pole to Pole’s message.
Pole to Pole with Will Smith officially premieres on National Geographic on January 13, 2026, airs on National Geographic Abu Dhabi on January 14, and will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ from January 14, bringing Smith’s extraordinary global odyssey to audiences around the world.
