The Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) has appointed Peter Scarlet, the former artistic director of the Tribeca Film Festival, as executive director.

Scarlet, who resigned from Tribeca in February after six years, has been bought in to develop the MEIFF's regional and international standing. Its third session will be held between October 8 - 17.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of MEIFF, said: 'The Festival is working on a continuous basis to support the development of this important cultural event.'

Scarlet, a festival veteran who also previously directed the San Francisco International Film Festival, has already taken over the role. His resignation from Tribeca came just ten days after it was announced that former Sundance director Geoff Gilmore was to join the festival in an expansive role.