Newly opened Ajdan Walk is part of AMC Cinemas’ ongoing strategy to develop the Kingdom’s cinema sector under the Vision 2030 Quality of Life program. The Cinema offers 9 auditoriums providing an enjoyable luxury experience with advanced audiovisual technologies
AMC Cinemas, the first global cinema operator in the Kingdom, has opened a new location at Ajdan Walk in Al-Khobar.
It will provide a state-of-the-art cinematic experience in line with the high standards AMC Cinemas is already known for.
AMC Ajdan Walk was officially inaugurated in presence of prominent personalities and media representatives on Wednesday, December 22. Guests watched an exclusive screening of newly released, The Matrix Resurrections, the fourth part of the Matrix series of films.
The new cinema offers 900 seats across nine auditoriums, including seven luxurious screens and two premium large formats, Dolby Cinema, which offers vibrant images and exceptional sound purity, and Prime, which evokes enthusiasm through amazing display technologies, sound systems with an immersive viewing pleasure, and luxurious reclining seats which provide the utmost comfort and relaxation.
Speaking on the occasion, Andrew Such, AMC Cinemas CEO said, “The opening is part of our ongoing strategy to provide an innovative cinematic experience for audiences throughout the Kingdom. It also reflects our commitment to provide the highest international standards and ensure movie-goers’ visits to our locations are an unforgettable experience.”
“With the opening of AMC Ajdan Walk we continue to demonstrate our support for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Quality of Life program which aims to enhance and grow the entertainment sector. It motivates us to continue our strategy to build and provide innovative cinemas across the Kingdom,” he added.
CEO of Ajdan Development Company (Ajdan Walk Waterfront Operator) Eng. Mohammed bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Otaibi said, “We are proud of our cooperation with AMC Cinemas in opening the first independent Cinema theatre in the Kingdom. At the same time, we are looking forward to making this place one of the modern landmarks in Al-Khobar’s first waterfront.”
With the opening of AMC Ajdan Walk in Al-Khobar, AMC Cinemas now operates 66 screens across 10 locations in the Kingdom with five in Riyadh and one in Jeddah, Al-Dawadmi, Hafr Al-Batin and Majmaah.
Contact us to advertise your brand on the screens of AMC Ajdan Walk – AL Khobar.
Source: AMC Press Release.
Saudi Arabia celebrated its 91st National Day (also known as Al-Yaom-ul-Watany) on 23rd September 2021, commemorating the birth of the modern Saudi nation.
This year’s theme and slogan was ‘Heya Lana Dar’, which means ‘A Home for Us’ – appreciating the spirit of the country’s cultural diversity that makes everyone (Saudis and foreigners) feel at home.
To honour and celebrate the transformative journey the country has embarked on over the past 91 years, leading brands in Saudi Arabia launched cinema campaigns across the country:
Saudia
The national airline of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched its national day cinema campaign emphasizing the spirit of being a Saudi national and its prosperity through generations.
Commercial Duration: 60 sec.
Campaign Duration: 21 – 24 September 2021
Locations: VOX Cinemas (Riyadh Front and Red Sea Mall), Muvi Cinemas (Nakheel Mall and Mall of Dhahran), AMC Cinemas – Stars Avenue and Cinépolis Cinemas – Lulu Mall
STC
Saudi Telecom Company launched its cinema campaign that parades the evolution of digital life in the kingdom.
Commercial Duration: 90 sec.
Campaign Duration: 23 – 25 September 2021
Locations: VOX Cinemas (Riyadh Park Mall and Red Sea Mall), AMC Cinemas – Panorama, Muvi Cinemas (Mall of Arabia and Nakheel Mall) and Cinépolis Cinemas – Lulu Mall
Banque Saudi Fransi
The Saudi based banking group’s national day campaign celebrates the vision and achievement of Saudi Arabia as a nation in various sectors.
Commercial Duration: 30 sec.
Campaign Duration: 21 – 27 September 2021
Locations: VOX Cinemas (Riyadh Park Mall, Kingdom Tower, Riyadh Front and Red Sea Mall), AMC Cinemas (Panorama and Riyadh Gallery) and Muvi Cinemas (Nakheel Mall Riyadh, U Walk, Mall of Arabia, Nakheel Mall Dammam and Mall of Dhahran)
Tamimi Markets
One of the fastest-growing supermarket chains in Saudi Arabia booked an ad to commemorate the Kingdom’s prosperity and greatness.
Commercial Duration: 15 sec.
Campaign Duration: 22 – 28 September 2021
Locations: 25 locations covering multiple VOX, Muvi, AMC and Cinépolis cinema locations
The General Presidency for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque
The government agency launched its campaign welcoming pilgrims and aiming to facilitate worshipers to perform the religious worship at the grand mosques with a prompt for being dutiful and generous in the times of the pandemic.
Commercial Duration: 60 sec.
Campaign Duration: 23 – 25 September 2021
Locations: VOX Cinemas – Town Square, Muvi Cinemas – Nakheel Mall in Dammam and AMC Cinemas – Azizia Plaza
With National Days of Oman (18th November), UAE (2nd December), Bahrain (16th December) and Qatar (18th December) around the corner, contact a member of our sales team for more information on cinema advertising opportunities to mark these special days!
As multiple cinema exhibitors around the world have started to reopen doors to patrons, and cinemas across the GCC having already welcomed more than 5 million moviegoers in 2021, the Saudi Arabia cinema market continues to grow, with the Kingdom well on track to realising the goal of Vision 2030 – open more than 350 cinemas with 2,600 screens.
Saudi Arabia officially opened its cinematic market in 2018 with the launch of its first cinema by AMC, post its 35-year ban. The initiative was a part of Saudi’s 2030 vision of development towards the economic and social sectors.
In promoting culture and entertainment, one of the goals of Vision 2030 is for the government to specifically attract local investors and create partnerships with international entertainment corporations to develop a market of SAR 30 billion in recreational services, with SAR 10 billion solely for the development of the cinema sector in Saudi Arabia, which is projected to directly contribute SAR 1 billion to the GDP.
Since the opening of the first cinema by AMC Cinemas at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in April 2018, followed by VOX Cinemas opening the second location at Riyadh Park Mall in May 2018, Saudi Arabia witnessed exponential growth in 2019, with a total of eleven 11 cinemas and 103 screens by the end of the year.
At the start of 2020 (prior to the COVID-19 lockdown), three more cinemas opened its doors to moviegoers in the city of Riyadh and Dammam, increasing the totals to 14 locations and 134 screens. When cinemas reopened post the lockdown in UAE and Saudi Arabia in June 2020 – with strict sanitisation and social distancing protocols in place, Saudi Arabia continued to expand its cinema landscape, adding 14 more locations and 130 screens across the country.
As of June 2021, Saudi Arabia has a total of 33 locations and 309 screens, proving to be GCC’s booming cinema market at present.
The latest Saudi issue by Campaign Middle East – Saudi Arabia Report 2021, has brought together the creative and marketing talent of Saudi Arabia to produce a catalogue of the media landscape in the Kingdom, and also shines light on Saudi’s post-COVID cinema landscape.
Access the complete cinema report and read what Avinash Udeshi, Chief Operating Officer, Motivate Val Morgan and representatives from leading cinema exhibitors in Saudi Arabia have to say about the unprecedented potential for growth in the country.
Sources: PWC, Arab news, The National and Arabian Business
AMC Cinemas Dawadmi 3 at Al Makan Mall is the first cinema in the city of Al Dawadmi in KSA, featuring 3 screens – two regular screens and one PRIME at AMC screen, and AMC Cinema Souq – a reimagined and fully customizable food and beverage concept.
AMC Cinemas opened its eighth location – Dawadmi 3, at Al Makan Mall in Al Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia on 20 April 2021.
The 3-screen cinema with a total of 320 seats, featuring a PRIME at AMC screen, is the first cinema to open in the city of Al Dawadmi, and is located in the central region of Saudi Arabia (200KM west of Riyadh) with a population of 53,000.
Greeting guests on arrival at the cinema is AMC Cinema Souq, a reimagined and fully customizable food & beverage concept offering restaurant quality hot foods, one-of-a-kind deserts, and creative handcrafted beverages.
Al Makan Mall is the only shopping mall in Al Dawadmi, attracting consumers from nearby cities such as ‘Sager city’, thus considered the main shopping destination in and around the area.
Together with the two new locations Dawadmi 3 and Star Avenue – which opened on 12 April 2021, AMC Cinemas presently operates 57 screens across 9 locations in 5 cities of Saudi Arabia, with a goal in line with the government’s plan to diversify entertainment content as well as provide new experiences to a range of audiences in several cities across the Kingdom.
*More information on Star Avenue to follow in the coming weeks.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of Dawadmi 3, and warmly welcomes this location to our cinema circuit in Saudi Arabia.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across AMC locations.
Source: AMC Cinemas and Swicorp Wabel Reit
AMC Cinemas opened its sixth cinema location at Azizia Plaza in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday 3rd December 2020.
Azizia Plaza features 3 screens with a total of 314 seats, and includes a Prime at AMC screen – presenting best-in-class projection, sound, seating, and exceptional food and beverages and five-star service.
Speaking at the opening CEO and Managing Director John Iozzi said: “AMC Azizia Plaza 3 is part of our continued expansion across Saudi Arabia and we are excited to bring our brand of first-class cinema experience to a new audience.”
AMC Azizia Plaza 3, he stated, was another impressive step in the rapid evolution of the cinema experience in Saudi Arabia.
“Every auditorium is fully equipped with a massive screen, 4K Barco Laser Projectors, immersive surround sound and Luxe Recliner and Plush Rocker seating throughout. Every seat also includes a table and USB charging port for ultimate comfort,” he explained.
“We are committed to supporting the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to improve the choice and quality of entertainment under the Quality of Life Program,” added John Iozzi.
With the opening of Azizia Plaza, AMC Cinemas presently operates 40 screens across 6 locations in 2 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of Azizia Plaza, and warmly welcomes this location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across AMC locations.
Sources: AMC Cinemas and Gulf Projects
While box office returns in 2020 will suffer an estimated 80% global drop due to COVID-19, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is bucking this downward trend, having grown since 2019 to become the Middle East’s top grossing territory this year to date.
Fresh figures released during the recent META Cinema Forum exhibitors’ conference in October reveals that the Kingdom has overtaken the United Arab Emirates this year, and is currently the region’s top-grossing territory, with more than $73 million in theatrical movie ticket sales over the past 40 weeks – a roughly $2 million increase in box office returns compared with the same period in 2019.
The UAE during the same 2020 period has generated roughly $51 million, roughly a quarter of its 2019 box office draw.
Commenting on the growth of the theatrical market in KSA, Cameron Mitchell, CEO of VOX Cinemas says: “We believe that Saudi Arabia is the only cinema market globally to have expanded in 2020.”
Mitchell sees the Saudi market as having increased by roughly 4% year to date – despite the fact that, due to the pandemic, cinemas where closed between March and the middle of June – and is forecasting an 8% growth by year’s end.
The theatrical market in the Middle East in 2019 was worth $600 million, of which Saudi accounted for a $110 million share and the UAE roughly $250 million – which excludes releases of Indian and Arabic films and some indie content. “This year our numbers are telling us that the UAE is going to be worth about $60 million, and Saudi is going to be worth $120 million,” says Mitchell.
In terms of the bigger picture, Mitchell believes that Hollywood will value the Middle East at about $220 million in 2020 out of which KSA will contribute to 50% of the same this year.
David Hancock, an analyst at London-based Omdia says, “The fact that Saudi has now overtaken the UAE, albeit in a weird year, is suddenly a milestone for the Saudi Arabian cinema market.” Hancock expects the country will be a billion-dollar market “in 3 to 5 years,” depending on recovery from COVID-19 which he estimates this year will cause an 80% global box office drop, with losses totaling up to $30 billion. He also mentioned that KSA is on track to become the dominant market in the region “and one of the top 10 or 15 markets in the world.”
An interesting aspect of Saudi Arabia’s current box office upswing is that grosses in the country are currently generated from a mere 260 screens – less than half the 614 screens operating in the UAE. Average occupancy levels in cinemas across the Middle East have not gone beyond 20%, and Saudi is no exception. However, in terms of generating box office, KSA has the cushy advantage boasting of an average ticket priced at $17.60, which is the highest in the region followed by UAE figure which is $12.80, and Kuwait, the region’s third market, priced at $11.90.
Since cinemas re-opened in June, the biggest releases across the Middle East was Tenet, earning $1.1 and $1.5 Million in its opening weekend in UAE and KSA (figures from Box Office Mojo), followed by Mulan – which earned over $1.3 Million in its opening weekend in UAE. Unhinged starring Russel Crowe also performed handsomely in the region, though figures were not made readily available.
Meanwhile, screen growth in Saudi Arabia is going forward undeterred, with VOX presently operating 124 screens across 11 locations. Aside from VOX Cinemas, other cinema exhibitors operating in the Kingdom include Muvi Cinemas and AMC Cinemas who have 10 and 6 operational cinemas respectively, and are in the midst of massive expansion plans over the year ahead.
It’s also interesting to note that a number of new cinema locations opened across KSA, post the COVID-19 lockdown. VOX Cinemas opened three new locations – Sahara Mall, Tabuk Park and Al Jamea (Town Square), Muvi Cinemas massively expanded with the opening of six new locations – Jubail Mall, Al Ahsa Mall, Haifa Mall, Aziz Mall, Nakheel Mall (Riyadh) and Mall of Dhahran, and AMC Cinemas opened four new locations – Hafr Al Batin, Riyadh Gallery, Al Khair and Azizia Plaza.
VOX projects there will be a total of 340 screens in operation in the country by year’s end, and close to 700 by the end of 2021.
Having a market like Saudi Arabia can help Hollywood studios offset some of their losses, says Mitchell, who is worried that due to COVID-19, the supply chain is drying up. To overcome the challenge posed by the lack of new content, VOX is stepping up its offer of alternative content such as live soccer matches, opera and concerts, and also classic re-releases. VOX has also teamed up with local players Image Nation and MBC Group to produce a slate of Arabic films, at least three of which they plan to release in 2021 as part of a plan to release up to 10 Arabic self-produced titles annually.
Mitchell is confident the country will become a top ten global market for cinema, with ResearchAndMarkets.com forecasting the industry in the Kingdom will be worth more than $1.2 billion by the end of 2030.
Sources: Variety, Arabian Business, Arab News
Mobily – Saudi Arabian telecommunications company, recently booked an integrated cinema campaign with Motivate Val Morgan for its 5G connection services in Saudi Arabia.
The on-screen component of the campaign included two 15 sec. commercials booked for a period of 3 weeks: Mobily 5G Family – which screened from 22nd October to 2nd November 2020 and Mobily 5G Prepaid – which screened from 3rd to 11th November 2020.
The commercial was booked at the following Motivate Val Morgan serviced locations in KSA:
VOX Cinemas: Red Sea Mall, West Avenue Mall, Atyaf Mall, Sahara Mall and Riyadh Front
Muvi Cinemas: Nakheel Mall (Riyadh), Nakheel Mall (Dammam), Haifa Mall and Mall of Arabia
AMC Cinemas: KAFD, Panorama Mall and Al Khair
The off-screen component included the distribution of leaflets containing information on Mobily Air Fiber 5G at VOX Cinemas – Sahara Mall over the weekend of 5th – 7th November 2020.
Promoters were hired by the brand to oversee and assist with handing out leaflets to cinemagoers walking out of the auditoriums.
Click here to access the Mobily flyer distributed at VOX Cinemas – Sahara Mall.
An integrated campaign is an effective strategy to implement when promoting or launching a new service offering, for it engages cinema audiences – both within the auditorium and outside in the foyer area of the cinema, and provides higher ad recall.
Contact a member of our sales team to know more on how integrated campaigns can help move your brand closer to its target audience.
AMC Cinemas opened yet another new cinema location – Al Khair, at Al Makan Mall in Riyadh, KSA on Tuesday 25th August 2020.
The cinema features 9 screens with a total of 801 seats, and also includes IMAX and PRIME at AMC experiences. Al Khair also features AMC Cinema Souq, a reimagined and fully customizable food and beverage concept which treats moviegoers to classic cinema fare, restaurant-quality hot food, special desserts, handcrafted beverages from AMC MacGuffins Mocktail and Coffee Bar as well as movie merchandise and much more.
Please Note: Due to travel restrictions, IMAX screen installation will delay based on tech’s arrival in KSA.
بكل فخر و سعادة نحتفل بتدشين سينما AMC الخير ٩ في المكان مول، حي الملقا بالرياض مع أول صالة لتجربة برايم في AMC ?
اكتشفوا AMC سينما و أكثر اليوم!?#AMC_سينما_وأكثر#المرئي_والمسموع#رؤية_السعودية_2030#برنامج_جودة_الحياة#مشاريع_الترفيه_السعودية#صحتك_بالدنيا pic.twitter.com/TKjKcpG8yI
— AMC سينما (@AMC_Cinemas_SA) August 26, 2020
To inaugurate the opening of Al Khair, various government officials, guests of honor and members of AMC’s executive team joined in the festivities with an exclusive premiere of PRIME at AMC, an extraordinary cinema experience featuring laser projection, Dolby Atmos sound and AMC’s signature Luxe Recliners.
AMC Cinemas presently operates 37 screens across 5 locations in 2 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of Al Khair, and warmly welcomes this location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the AMC circuit in KSA.
Related Articles:
AMC Cinemas Opens at Riyadh Gallery in KSA
AMC Opens Third Location at Al Makan Mall in Hafr Al Batin
AMC Opens Second Location at Panorama Mall in KSA
Motivate Val Morgan Welcomes AMC Cinemas to its Circuit in KSA
Sources: AMC Cinemas and Zawya
AMC’s nine screen cinema at Riyadh Gallery is equipped with massive screens, 4K Barco laser projectors, immersive sound and Luxe Recliner and Plush Rocker seating. The cinema also features Dolby Cinema and AMC Prime screens.
AMC Cinemas opened a new cinema at Riyadh Gallery in KSA on Thursday 27th August 2020.
The cinema features 9 screens – with 4K Barco laser projectors, immersive sound and Luxe Recliner and Plush Rocker seating, with a total of 901 seats, and also includes Dolby Cinema and PRIME at AMC screens.
Greeting guests on arrival to the cinema is AMC Cinema Souq, a reimagined and fully customizable food & beverage concept. AMC Cinema Souq treats moviegoers to classic cinema fare, restaurant quality hot foods, one-of-a-kind deserts, creative handcrafted beverages from AMC MacGuffins Mocktail & Coffee Bar, as well as movie merchandise and much more. Visitors can come in and enjoy AMC Cinemas food & beverage offerings at any time as the Cinema Souq is available to everyone.
To inaugurate the opening of Riyadh Gallery, various government officials, guests of honor and members of AMC’s executive team joined in the festivities with an exclusive premiere of PRIME at AMC, an extraordinary cinema experience featuring laser projection, Dolby Atmos sound and AMC’s signature Luxe Recliners.
Commenting on the evening John Iozzi, Managing Director of AMC Cinemas said: “We are proud to be opening our fourth location in Saudi Arabia and to share this evening with friends, dignitaries and the people of Riyadh. I look forward to sharing many more AMC Cinema experiences with the people of KSA as we urgently expand our footprint across the country and continue to provide our guests with the best in cinema.”
نحتفل بإطلاق ٩ صالات سينما جديدة في AMC الرياض جاليري ?
مجهزة بأحدث التجارب وأكبر صالة #برايم_في_AMC مع تجربة سوق السينما للراحة في التسوق ??
تفضل بزيارتنا اليوم وعيش السينما وأكثر في AMC ?#AMC_سينما_وأكثر#المرئي_والمسموع#رؤية_السعودية_2030#مشاريع_الترفيه_السعودية pic.twitter.com/KuCPBJBiHc
— AMC سينما (@AMC_Cinemas_SA) August 28, 2020
AMC Cinemas also opened another new location – Al Khair, at Al Makan Mall in Riyadh on Tuesday 25th August 2020, which features 9 screens with a total of 801 seats, and includes IMAX and PRIME at AMC screens.
*More information on Al Khair at Al Makan Mall in Riyadh to follow in the coming weeks.
Together with Al Khair and Riyadh Gallery, the cinema exhibitor presently operates 37 screens across 5 locations in 2 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of Al Khair and Riyadh Gallery, and warmly welcomes these locations to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the four AMC locations in Saudi Arabia.
Related Articles:
AMC Opens Third Location at Al Makan Mall in Hafr Al Batin
AMC Opens Second Location at Panorama Mall in KSA
Motivate Val Morgan Welcomes AMC Cinemas to its Circuit in KSA
Sources: AMC Cinemas and Zawya
AMC’s eight screen cinema at Al Makan Mall in Hafr Al Batin features best-in-class projection, sound and seating, as well as a new innovative F&B concept – AMC Cinema Souq.
AMC Cinemas has opened its third Saudi cinema at Al Makan Mall, in the Eastern Province city of Hafr Al Batin.
AMC – Al Makan Mall officially opened on 13th August 2020, with a screening of the Saudi-directed and produced feature film Shams Al-Maaref. The cinema features 8 screens and 787 seats, and includes an IMAX screen.
*Please Note: due to current travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19, the installation of the IMAX screen at Al Makan Mall will be delayed.
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Al Makan Mall boasts the best of what AMC Cinemas is deploying in its rapid expansion across the Kingdom – industry leading in-auditorium experiences, exceptionally creative food and beverage offerings and remarkable service. Greeting guests on arrival to the cinema is AMC Cinema Souq, a reimagined and fully customizable food and beverage concept. AMC Cinema Souq treats moviegoers to classic cinema fare, restaurant-quality hot food, special desserts, handcrafted beverages from AMC MacGuffins Mocktail and Coffee Bar as well as movie merchandise and much more.
John Iozzi, Managing Director of AMC Cinemas, said: “It gives us great pleasure to open our newest location in Hafr Al Batin. We are truly blessed with the opening night turnout and share in the local excitement of this first class cinema.”
Iozzi further stated: “In the coming weeks I look forward to sharing many more AMC Cinemas experiences with the people of the Kingdom as we urgently expand our footprint in Saudi Arabia and continue to provide our guests with innovative cinema formats tailored for every taste.”
Every auditorium at AMC – Al Makan Mall is fully equipped with a massive screen, 4K Barco laser projector, immersive surround sound with Luxe Recliner and Plush Rocker seating throughout. Every seat is appointed with a table and USB charging port.
AMC Cinemas presently operates 19 screens across 3 locations in KSA.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of its cinema at Al Makan Mall in Hafr Al Batin, and warmly welcomes this new location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the three AMC locations in Saudi Arabia.
Related Articles:
AMC Opens Second Location at Panorama Mall in KSA
Motivate Val Morgan Welcomes AMC Cinemas to its Circuit in KSA
Sources: AMC Cinemas, Zawya, Arab News and Gulf News
