MIDDLE EAST CINEMA INDUSTRY - META CINEMA MENA Cinema Forum
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META CINEMA
F O R U M
MIDDLE EAST
CINEMA INDUSTRY
OVERVIEW OF THE
MIDDLE EAST
CINEMA INDUSTRY
The Covid-19 crisis has significantly impacted the Middle East
cinema industry because of the closure of the cinemas, resulting in
job losses. However, theatres have begun to slowly reopen in some
countries in the Middle East. In the current scenario, there seems
to be a new trend emerging, which is “drive- in” cinema. Although
drive-in cinemas are not a new concept in the Middle East, there
seems to be resurgence.
TRENDS EMERGING IN THE
MIDDLE EAST
CINEMA INDUSTRY
UAE
The concept of drive-in experience started in the UAE after the coronavirus pandemic
forced closure of cinema halls. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai have already launched
drive-in cinema theatres. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
issued a new circular in August allowing owners of cinemas inside shopping malls across
Abu Dhabi to resume operations at 30% capacity and comply with precautionary
measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. The move was made in coordination with the
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee for the Covid-19 pandemic. ADDED’s
Under-Secretary noted that there are 19 cinemas operating in the emirate, 12 in Abu
Dhabi city, six in Al Ain city and one in Al Dhafra region. The first drive-in cinema in Dubai
was Vox Cinemas Drive-In and they set up home in Mall of the Emirates. Reel cinemas
launched a drive in experience in May 2020 at the Dubai Mall. Yas Island launched the
Yas Drive In Cinema, in partnership with Reel Cinemas, and Brag at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas
Island in July 2020. Sharjah has its very own drive-in cinema at Madar at Aljada. UAE-based
Azizi Developments is set to launch an outdoor drive-in cinema at Riviera, located within
Mohammed bin Rashid City in Dubai, by 2020-end.
KSA
Saudi Arabia’s cinema industry is potentially valued at approximately US$ 1 bn. Movie
theaters are making a partial comeback, with two of Saudi Arabia’s three major players
now taking ticket bookings and operating with limited capacity. Vox Cinemas and Muvi
Cinemas are both open for bookings again, while AMC Cinemas has yet to announce
a date for reopening. In August 2020, Swicorp Wabel REIT announced the opening of a
multi-screen cinema theatre at one of its key properties, Al Makan Mall, situated in the
city of Hafr Al Batin. The REIT is scheduled to open further movie theaters in its portfolio
in three other cities as well as Dawadmi and Tabouk in the short term. Investors feel that
there is significant value in the new leisure and entertainment sector, which opened up
recently in the kingdom, reaffirming their commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 despite the
pandemic situation.
OMAN
Muscat’s first drive-in cinema is ready to open its doors soon, with a capacity to
accommodate nearly 500 vehicles. Oman’s Drive-in Cinema is a 100% Omani project,
implemented by the Manather Qantab International Company. The aim of this initiative is
to provide jobs for unemployed nationals.
MAJOR
PROJECTS
Some of the major upcoming shopping center projects
with cinema within the development scope are listed in
the table below:
Completion
Name Country Project Status Client
Year
National Real Estate
The Reem Mall in
Company (NREC), Al
Najmat on Reem UAE Construction 2020
Farwaniya Property
Island
Development
Deira Islands -
UAE Construction Nakheel PJSC 2021
Deira Islands Mall
Majid Al Futtaim (MAF)
Mall of Oman Oman Construction 2020
Group
Al Zahia City in
Sharjah Holding, Majid
Sharjah - City UAE Construction 2020
Al Futtaim (MAF) Group
Centre
Qiddiya City in
Qiddiya Investment
Riyadh - City KSA Design 2026
Company (QIC)
Centre
Meydan One
UAE Construction Meydan 2021
Mall
Dubai Hills Estate Dubai Holding, Emaar
UAE Construction 2020
- Dubai Hills Mall Properties
Tilal Real Estate
(Sharjah Asset
Tilal City - Tilal Tenderfor
UAE Management with 2022
Mall Construction
Eskan Real Estate
Development)
Al Raid Group of
Al Araimi Walk Oman Construction 2022
Companies
Salhia Real Estate Co.
Al Asima in Sharq Kuwait Construction 2021
(SREC)
Source: www.venturesonsite.com
FUTURE OUTLOOK Developing the cinema industry has become a necessity to cope with during these exceptional circumstances. Industry experts believe that the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated some design trends, such as automated ordering of tickets and food, online booking and the reduction or elimination of traditional long concession stands. In Muscat, the first drive-in will have snack delivery automated by using robots, in cooperation with the Roboto Restaurant in Muscat, a unique dining venue where food is delivered by robots. Although the cinema industry has experienced a challenging situation, it is expected to rebound. The drive-in cinema concept is expected to stay, even after social distancing rules are relaxed, and Covid-19 is under control in the Middle East. CONTACT US Anush Shetty Partnership Director anush.shetty@gmevents.ae
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