VOX Cinemas 15-screen cinema at Wafi City in Dubai features a Samsung Onyx screen and signature concepts including KIDS, MAX, as well as a reimagined VIP experience.
Majid Al Futtaim – the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, launched its first hybrid cinema and family entertainment centre at Wafi City in Dubai, UAE on 9 May 2021.
The state-of-the-art entertainment hub spans two floors and comprises VOX Cinemas – the Middle East’s most innovative and fastest growing exhibitor, integrated with Magic Planet – the regionally award-winning family entertainment centre.
The 15-screen cinema at VOX Cinemas Wafi City offers moviegoers an exceptional cinematic experience and boasts the first Samsung Onyx screen in the UAE. Backed by brilliant LED picture quality and an infinite contrast ratio, Samsung Onyx delivers a powerful, captivating and memorable experience through HDR (High Dynamic Range) graphics and clear sounds. The cinema also features cutting-edge audio-visual technology and a variety of VOX signature concepts including KIDS, MAX, as well as a reimagined VIP experience with luxury seating and in-seat dining.
Families and fun seekers of all ages can also enjoy a wide variety of the latest video games, amusement rides, attractions and redemption games at Magic Planet, which features Bumper Cars, Drop ‘N Twist and Highway 66 – the ultimate mini-bowling experience.
The all-encompassing entertainment destination also features an array of F&B outlets to complement the experience including new concepts Candy Corner, where guests can indulge in a wide variety of sweet treats, and The Spotlight at Wafi City, which serves gourmet cuisine directly to guests’ seats. The décor in the thoughtfully appointed new culinary offering is imaginative and intriguing and truly immerses discerning film fans in a unique atmosphere that redefines luxury and the cinematic experience.
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment said, “We’re proud to collaborate with Wafi Group, which shares our vision for creating remarkable destinations and passion for excellence, to open our first hybrid cinema and family entertainment centre in the United Arab Emirates. Today’s customers are looking for more engaging and immersive ways to spend time with family and friends and, at Majid Al Futtaim, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and finding innovative new ways to exceed evolving
expectations. VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet at Wafi City have been designed as a holistic concept seamlessly integrating two recreational functions into one enriched experience and we’re very excited to welcome new guests and create great moments together.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman of Wafi Group added, “Majid Al Futtaim is synonymous with customer-focused and innovative experiences and, we are excited to partner with them to launch this world-class entertainment destination, which offers an exciting selection of immersive attractions for the whole family to enjoy. VOX Cinemas Wafi City takes the cinematic experience to the next level with a unique offering that goes beyond customers’ expectations and features the ultimate VIP experience.”
VOX Cinemas presently operates 22 cinemas and 267 screens across the UAE. In March 2021, the cinema exhibitor opened at City Centre Al Zahia in Sharjah, with the launch marking the fifth cinema opening across the region in the wake of COVID-19. Later this month, VOX Cinemas is set to launch three multiplexes across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as part of its ambitious expansion plans across the region.
We at Motivate Val Morgan congratulate VOX Cinemas on the opening of the new the 15-screen cinema at Wafi City, and warmly welcome this location to our cinema circuit in the UAE.
Contact us to advertise your brand on the screens at Wafi City in Dubai, UAE.
Sources: Vox Cinemas Press Release
Here are the commercials that dominated the big screen over Eid al-Fitr 2021!
Due to cinemas being closed across the Middle East and the rest of the world over the first half of 2020, brands missed out on the opportunity to advertise on the BIG screen last Eid. This Eid al-Fitr however witnessed not only the release of Indian MEGA blockbuster Radhe, but also Kuwait and Bahrain – two countries that remained closed for 15 months, re-opening its doors to patrons.
Here are the commercials booked through Motivate Val Morgan, that lit up the BIG screen over Eid al-Fitr 2021:
Barakat
Ad Duration: 72 sec.
Campaign Duration: 13th May 2021 to 27th May 2021
Country: UAE
Cinema Locations: VOX Cinemas – City Centre Ajman, City Centre Al Zahia, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates, Al Jimi Mall, Al Maryah Island, Yas Mall. Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall. Cinema City – Zero 6 mall.
Toshiba Kioxia
Ad Duration: 30 sec. (each)
Campaign Duration: 13th May 2021 to 10th June 2021
Country: UAE
Cinema Locations: VOX Cinemas – City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates and Cineplex Grand Hyatt
Al Hokail Medical Group
Ad Duration: 20 sec. (each)
Campaign Duration: 13th May 2021 to 22nd July 2021
Country: Saudi Arabia
Cinema Locations: Muvi Cinemas – Mall of Dharan
DUR Hospitality (Holiday Inn)
Ad Duration: 15 sec.
Campaign Duration: 13th May 2021 to 17th June 2021
Country: Saudi Arabia
Cinema Locations: Muvi Cinemas – Mall of Dharan, Nakheel Mall, Jubail Mall. VOX Cinemas – West Avenue Mall.
Boubyan Bank
Ad Duration: 41 sec.
Campaign Duration: 13th May 2021 to 3rd June 2021
Country: Kuwait
Cinema Locations: VOX Cinemas – The Avenues
Al Rawabi Private School
Ad Duration: 70 sec.
Campaign Duration: 13th May 2021 to 8th July 2021
Country: Bahrain
Cinema Locations: VOX Cinemas – The Avenues
Make cinema an integral part of your media plan! Contact us to advertise alongside an exciting line-up of upcoming blockbusters.
One of the most anticipated blockbusters of this year – Godzilla vs. Kong, has been a huge hit in every market it opened, pulling in a record setting US$ 141.7 million overseas. The film opened in 38 different international markets, with China accounting for US$ 99 million over eight days – the country’s largest box-office debut in nearly two years.
With international audiences flocking to movie theaters once again, the U.S. box office too made its triumphant return with the blockbuster earning a thumping US$ 27.9 million in North America in just three days of its release (31 March 2021). In the UAE, the blockbuster garnered an astounding 138,000 admissions in its first four days, with a US$ 1.9 million weekend total – far more than any film has managed since the pandemic began. Saudi Arabia was right behind the UAE with 76,000 admissions for the feature.
The film has also been a hit with critics, currently sitting at 81 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes with 118 reviews counted.
The record COVID-era opening of Godzilla vs. Kong is especially encouraging since Netflix made headlines for paying nearly US$ 450 million to acquire the rights for two sequels to Knives Out. Key tests ahead for global cinema are A Quiet Place Part II (Paramount) and F9 (Universal) – set for international release on 28 May and 25 June respectively, both of which are initially theater exclusives.
Recent hits such as Tom & Jerry and Raya and the Last Dragon also opened in the 20,000 admissions range in the UAE. Open for seven weeks now in the, Tom & Jerry has totaled over 150,000 admissions – an impressive achievement for the animated/live action hybrid, while the Malayalam film The One also opened with 20,000 admissions, all of which indicate that business is back in a big way in the UAE.
Upcoming blockbuster releases across the Middle East include: Mortal Kombat (8 April), Free Guy (20 May), Cruella (27 May), Luca (17 June), F9 (24 June), Top Gun: Maverick (1 July), Black Widow (8 July), Jungle Cruise (29 July), The Suicide Squad (5 August), The Boss Baby: Family Business (16 September), Dune (30 September), Spider-Man: No Way Home (17 December) and The King’s Man (22 December).Advertisers, mark your return to the BIG SCREEN in a BIG WAY!
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities alongside the above mentioned blockbusters.
Sources: The Numbers, Esquire Middle East, Collider, Forbes and IMDb
In a world with chaos all around, comedy is a saviour for all!
Scientifically, when we laugh, our body releases the chemical Endorphins – the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemical, and there’s truly nothing better than a hearty laugh to get these hormones activated.
Everyone enjoys a good comedy film from time to time, and here are four reasons why this genre is loved by all:
Stress-buster:
Be it a long day at work or school, the best way to unwind is by watching something light and funny. There is something about the punch lines, witty sense of humour and the extremely important timing and style of delivery by the actor/actors in question. There are so many facets to comedy, which makes us laugh and relax our nerves.
Develops a sense of humour:
Watching a comedy not only helps us feel relaxed and rejuvenated, but also supports in developing a sense of humour as our surroundings influence us and play a major role in our day-to-day interactions. Having a sense of humour is an essential life skill. Not only does it help us cope during difficult times in life, especially now with the outbreak of COVID-19, but also helps us increase productivity, leadership skills and even improve cardiovascular health!
Studies show that watching a movie of this genre can improve your blood pressure and keep it at an ideal level for up to 24 hours. In 2011, Oxford University conducted an experimental research with a sample set of candidates and concluded that those who watched comedy movies after experiencing painful stimuli had better pain tolerance as compared to those who did not watch comedy movies.
Makes us better people:
Comedy helps us keep our health in check, contributes to our personality and plays a big role in our day-to-day lives. Humour is a form of coping mechanism for many, while doing so it also adds to our wit, spontaneity and leadership skills. In a survey conducted by Robert Half International, 91% of executives believed that having a good sense of humor is important for one’s career advancement, while a majority of the respondents said that a good sense of humour and work ethic are two vital qualities they look for in a good leader.
A Great Pass Time:
One of the main reasons we watch movies of this genre is because it is a great way to pass time. They are highly entertaining but they also keep us occupied! As per research on Statista – Most popular movie genres in North America from 1995 to 2020, by total box office revenue, comedy is the fourth highest revenue-generating genre (34.38 billion dollars) in the US, behind Adventure, Action and Drama. Additionally, as per research conducted by Motivate Val Morgan in 2017 – Cinema 360, comedy is one of the highest watched genres in the UAE, with 82.5% inclined towards watching comedy at the cinema.
Below are the comedy titles set to release in 2021:
Tom & Jerry – February 2021, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar – February 2021, Coming 2 America – March, 2021, Marry Me – May 2021, Rumble – May 2021, Free Guy – May 2021, Minions: The Rise of Gru – June 2021 and Boss Baby: Family Business – September 2021.
Please Note – Movie release dates are subject to change.
Contact a member of our sales team for more information on cinema advertising opportunities alongside these comedy blockbusters.
Sources: Scientific American, Motivate Val Morgan, Maps of India, Statista, IMDB, Movieweb, WeForum, QZ, Forbes, Seat42f and Moviefone.
Saudi Arabia’s homegrown cinema brand – Muvi Cinemas, has launched the Kingdom’s first Drive-in cinema in the city of Riyadh.
The Drive-in cinema that opened on Thursday 21st January 2021, is the first of its kind in the country, and can accommodate up to 150 vehicles while maintaining social distancing measures.
Guests will be required to wear face masks and have their temperature checked in accordance with recommended measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, while food and drinks are allowed to be consumed inside cars.
In a statement to Arab News, Mahmoud Mirza, Marketing Director of Muvi Cinemas said: “MUVI Cinemas is strictly applying all the precautionary measures to ensure a safe environment for our employees and customers.” However, no decision has yet been made on how long the Drive-in cinema would remain open.
According to Mirza, the initial response from the public suggests that the Drive-in cinema concept will prove as popular in the Kingdom as it has in recent times in other parts of the Middle East, including Dubai and Beirut, as a way to allow cinemagoers to watch movies on the big screen while protecting themselves from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Mirza further stated that now is the ideal time to visit a Drive-in cinema in the Kingdom. “Drive-in cinemas require many aspects to succeed. One important factor is the weather, and with Riyadh’s weather nowadays, it is a perfect fit to complete an outstanding experience,” he explained, adding that Muvi Cinemas is considering opening similar temporary venues across the Kingdom.
“Having pop-up cinemas isn’t new to MUVI Cinemas, and we shall continue offering such experiences to expand our reach and create happy moments for our audience, be it inside our sites and theaters or outside.”
Mirza also revealed that Muvi Cinemas plans to open 15 new cinemas in Saudi Arabia in 2021, adding more than 150 screens to its current cinema circuit. “New sites will be added to those in current cities, and introduced to new cities, such as Taif, Buraidah and Onaizah,” he said.
As the official cinema advertising partner of Muvi Cinemas in Saudi Arabia, we at Motivate Val Morgan warmly congratulate the cinema exhibitor on the opening of the new Drive-in cinema.
Click here for more information of the first Drive-in cinema in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and for session times.
Sources: Muvi Cinemas, Arab News and Gulf News
With roughly 80 days to go for Christmas, we at Motivate Val Morgan look ahead to what’s in store on the BIG screen in the month of December, and why brands should plan to include cinema in their festive media campaigns.
From mystery thriller Death on the Nile – based on the 1973 novel by Agatha Christie and Wonder Woman 1984 – the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe, December 2020 holds festive treats for both cinemagoers and advertisers.
It has been a difficult year for a majority of industries with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its on-going coverage dominating the news.
For cinema, Q2 2020 started off with its closure, followed by a staggered reopening between June and September – with cinemas operating at 30-50% capacity, accompanied by the lack of new content. Then came the release of two highly anticipated blockbusters – Tenet and Mulan, closely following each other, that did rather well on the BIG screen in both UAE and Saudi Arabia:
Following this high note was the official announcement of Death on the Nile, Wonder Woman 1984, No Time to Die and Black Widow pushing its release dates to December 2020, April 2021 and May 2021 (respectively).
The good news for now is that Bollywood blockbuster Laxmmi Bomb – featuring Akshay Kumar, which premiers on 9 November 2020 on Disney Plus Hotstar, will also release across cinemas in Australia, New Zealand and UAE simultaneously, on 9 November 2020. Laxmmi Bomb is anticipated to give cinema another upward push at box office in the UAE.
Laxmmi Bomb Motion Poster Trailer:
For now, December has a treat in store for everyone – cinemagoers and advertisers, with a range of highly anticipated a-list and b-list blockbusters, expected to release on the BIG screen.
The month kicks off with a brand new action comedy adventure featuring Ryan Reynolds – Free Guy, a story about a bank teller who discovers that he’s actually an NPC inside a brutal open world video game, scheduled to release 10 December 2020.
Free Guy Trailer:
Next up is Death on the Nile by 20th Century Studios, scheduled to release on 17th December 2020 . The mystery thriller directed by Kenneth Branagh is based on the 1937 novel of the same name by Agatha Christie, and a follow-up to 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express, featuring a star studded cast which includes Gal Gadot, Kenneth Branagh, Tome Bateman, Russell Brand and Letitia Wright.
Death on the Nile Trailer:
Just in time for Christmas will be the release of the much anticipated DC blockbuster Wonder Woman 1984 by Warner Bros. – featuring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Kristen Wiig. The film was originally announced for release on 13 December 2019, before being moved up to 1 November 2019, then to 5 June 5 2020, followed by 2 October 2020, and now 24 December 2020. Fingers crossed we won’t have to wait any longer than December 2020.
Wonder Woman 1984 Trailer:
Please Note: release dates for the movies listed above are subject to change.
December being the month of festivity, is something we’re sure most are looking forward to. There’s no denying that come December, the pandemic might still be headlining the news. However, cinema has always been known for providing audiences with a space for escapism – a place to immerse themselves in a story, for a couple of hours, watching feel-good content. Given the hardships we have experienced this year, in some way or another, December holds optimism among cinemagoers, given the powerful movie line-up, and presents opportunities for advertisers to target audiences who are keen to flex their spending power during the festive month leading up to the new year.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on movies releasing on the BIG screen over the next couple of months. We’ve also recently launched an attractive ‘guaranteed views’ package. Contact us if interested in starting a discussion on cinema advertising opportunities alongside any of the above mentioned blockbusters in the month of December 2020.
Sources: Box office Mojo, NDTV, IMDb and YouTube
Now in its 3rd edition, META Cinema Forum, the largest cinema convention covering the Middle East and African Markets, will take place from October 27 – 28, 2020.
After signing an agreement with the Pan African Film Consortium, the MENA Cinema Forum was re-branded as META Cinema Forum, inclusive of Middle East and the entire African continent.
For the 2020 edition, in consideration of the ongoing challenges around the global pandemic, the META Cinema Forum will be conducted as a hybrid event, first of its kinds in the world.
The event includes an invaluable conference covering all key critical topics of the cinema sector, from projects and plans to technology and content. The conference has traditionally been accompanied by the biggest cinema convention in the region, to offer the latest in supplies and technologies to the stakeholders. Special screenings, premieres, slate presentations, workshops, awards, and post event receptions have accompanied the conference and trade show to make it a comprehensive cinema convention for the region.
“The cinema industry has been amongst the most impacted sectors by the pandemic, but if the $54 million USD BOX Office sales of Tenet, the first blockbuster release since the pandemic, in its opening week at select international markets has proven anything, it’s that moviegoing is a habit we do not wish to kick, and that passion for movies and cinema as a form of accessible entertainment is here to stay. Therefore, in close coordination with the major global stakeholders, we came up with a true hybrid event, the first of its kind in the world, to facilitate collaborations that are required to help with the recovery. The event will highlight the plan for projects in the region, the recovery phase for the cinema industry, and content diversification as key critical elements. We are very delighted to work with VOX Cinemas once more as our Strategic Partners, and to be able to stream live digital content at VOX for local audience to enjoy, not to mention, to be the first in the world in 2020 to showcase upcoming movies from various studios and their new release dates,” says Leila Masinaei, Conference Director and Managing Partner, Great Minds Event Management.
The 2020 edition will include a knowledge packed conference, select slate presentations of upcoming content and films from leading Hollywood and international studios, including Africa for the first time, at VOX Cinemas, Mall of Emirates in Dubai, a live META Cinema Projects Insight session with the most senior cinema leaders in the region and rounded off with a networking after event reception. Cinema innovations and advanced technologies will also be displayed as a product showcase floor at the event.
For those who don’t wish to attend physically, don’t panic, all conference content will be available live via video conferencing technology and will be free of charge for all to attend this year.
Click here to register for this year’s forum, or contact Great Minds Event Management for more information.
Source: META Cinema Forum
As part of the latest offering by cinema exhibitors in the UAE – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Reel Cinemas has launched its latest drive-in cinema in Abu Dhabi, brining the total count to five drive-ins across the UAE.
Reel Cinemas launched its third drive-in cinema at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on Thursday 9th July 2020, and will screen movies three nights a week on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:45pm. The entrance to the drive-in cinema is located at Yas Marina Circuit’s East Gate.
The cinema accommodates 63 cars, with a limit of up to five people per vehicle if family or up to three if not. Tickets are priced Dh160 per car, and includes a food and drinks package (popcorn, soft drinks, water and chocolate). Extra snacks can be ordered from inside the car, by alerting staff using the hazard lights.
Upon entry, guests will have their temperatures checked, before being directed to a specific parking spot. Visitors are requested to remain in their vehicles at all times, with the exception of using the toilets. Wearing of facemasks are mandatory if windows are lowered to speak to event staff, or when leaving the car.
Reel Cinemas launched its first drive-in experience at The Dubai Mall in late May, followed by another in Dubai Hills Estate in the fourth week of June – both launching after VOX Cinemas’ drive in at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, and the announcement by Urban Entertainment of a free drive-in cinema in Sharjah at Madar – Aljada (which opened to the public on Wednesday 1st July 2020).
For more information on movie schedules, visit www.reelcinemas.ae, and don’t forget to check out their Drive-in experience FAQs.
Please Note: Drive-in movie sessions at Yas Marina Circuit currently show up to 1st August 2020. Additional movie sessions beyond 1st August will be added closer towards those dates.
Related Articles:
Reel Opens Second Drive-in Cinema at Dubai Hills
Reel Launches Drive-in Cinema at The Dubai Mall
VOX Opens Rooftop Drive-in Cinema at Mall of the Emirates
Sources: The National & Reel Cinemas
Saudi Arabia lifted its national curfew on June 21, 2020 and resumed commercial activities, which included the reopening of cinemas across the country.
Following the reopening of cinemas by VOX and Muvi cinemas in KSA, AMC Cinemas reopened its doors to the public on Thursday 2nd July 2020. In line with government restrictions, social distancing remains in place and wearing a face mask is mandatory.
The cinema exhibitors has also posted videos on its social media channels highlighting the safety and precautionary measures they have taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for cinemagoers:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Similar to all cinemas across the region, AMC Cinemas will screen previously released blockbusters from 2019 and early 2020, until new blockbusters start releasing from August 2020.
Visit amccinemas.com for more information on movies screening across its locations, and contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the AMC cinema circuit in KSA.
Related Articles:
Cinemas Reopen in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Parts of UAE
Cinemas Reopen in Dubai and Ajman – UAE
Drive-in cinemas have made a huge comeback (globally) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the launch of the second drive-in experience by Reel Cinemas at Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai is now home to three drive-in cinemas.
Following the launch of its first drive-in cinema at The Dubai Mall (Zabeel extension), Reel Cinemas opened its second drive-in on Thursday 25 June, 2020 at The Dubai Hills Estate – located between Mulberry 2 and Central Park in the residential area.
The cinema accommodates 100 cars, and similar to its first drive-in cinema at The Dubai Mall, tickets are priced at Dhs170 per car, with food and drinks included as a combo meal for two.
This drive-in cinema will place emphasis on showing family-friendly blockbusters, with one screening taking place each night at 8pm.
For more information on movie schedules, visit www.reelcinemas.ae, and don’t forget to check out their Drive-in experience FAQs.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities at Reel’s drive-in cinema at Dubai Hills Estate.
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