Driven by evolving audience preferences and a fresh perspective on cinema as an immersive experience, cinemas worldwide are undergoing a rapid transformation
The cinema industry is experiencing a significant transformation. With cinema now viewed as a holistic customer experience, various factors influence moviegoers, including screen formats such as IMAX and Dolby, food and beverage offerings, parking, and family friendliness.
Recognizing these needs, exhibitors worldwide are making strategic investments in new builds, refurbishments, and technology. According to the Global Cinema Federation (GCF), exhibitors are projected to spend around US$2 billion globally in 2023-2024, showcasing their confidence in the future of the big screen experience.
Out of the total US$2 billion investment, US$1 billion is expected to go towards new builds, US$600 million towards refurbishments, and US$400 million towards technology. Now that we know which areas exhibitors are investing in, let’s also break down the major factors driving them to embark on this substantial level-up:
To stand out from home viewing, cinemas are investing in modern amenities such as in-seat dining, luxury recliners, and interactive games. This creates a more immersive and social atmosphere where watching a movie becomes a complete experience. From arriving at the theater to enjoying photo opportunities, giveaways, product samples, and lobby activities, the cinema visit must be memorable.
Affluent moviegoers see cinema as an essential part of their social lives, and prefer theaters with luxurious amenities. A recent YouGov survey, reported by the Video Advertising Bureau, found that 73% of affluent moviegoers with household incomes of US$100,000 or more favor theaters offering unique amenities and fine dining, enhancing their overall experience.
IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and other premium formats are gaining popularity with more and more titles being made for these experiences. Cinemas are investing in these formats to provide superior viewing options, meeting the growing demand for high-quality cinematic experiences.
Google Trends analytics show a surge in searches when a movie is announced or stars are attached. When trailers are released, fans flock to social media, turning awareness into excitement. This anticipation lingers until the movie hits theaters. Hence, exhibitors recognize the need to be part of this conversation through their online presence and maintaining engagement. Cinemas announcing social media competitions with big prizes are prime examples of leveraging this trend.
With several highly anticipated blockbusters, including the most “filmed for IMAX” releases in a year, set for 2025, cinemas are leveling up to handle the influx of eager moviegoers and offer the best possible experience for audiences.
These strategic investments demonstrate the industry’s commitment to evolving and enhancing the cinema experience, ensuring it remains a beloved pastime for audiences worldwide.
Source: Global Cinema Federation, VAB News
Muvi Boulevard Riyadh City is the largest cinema in Saudi Arabia, and the biggest in the world by seating capacity.
Saudi homegrown cinema brand Muvi Cinemas opened the Kingdom’s largest cinema at Boulevard Riyadh City on 02 March, 2022.
The cinema boasts a total of 25 screens and features a variety of unique concepts.
For VIP experiences, the cinema offers four luxury Muvi Suites and four Muvi Boutique auditoriums – theatres with a theme of a city or popular place such as London, Beverly Hills and Hollywood.
Two Muvi Junior screens are available for children aged three to twelve years with a party room attached to celebrate special occasions.
Muvi Boulevard Riyadh City is also home to a 4DX and Xperience screen powered by CGS for an immersive cinema experience.
The official launch of Muvi Cinemas’ newest and largest venue was held in conjunction with the grand premiere of ‘The Batman’. Sultan Al Hokair, founder and Chief Executive Officer at Muvi Cinemas, said, “The launch of our newest Muvi Cinema at Riyadh Boulevard City was a great moment for both the Muvi brand and film lovers alike. As the largest movie theatre in Saudi Arabia, our customers will experience best-in-class entertainment while enjoying the latest cinematic technologies.”
The opening ceremony of the cinema and screening of ‘The Batman’ were attended by a distinguished list of guests and industry officials.
Muvi Cinemas presently operates 195 screens across 20 locations in 9 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities at Muvi – Boulevard Riyadh City.
Source: Muvi Cinemas
Muvi Boutique – Tala Mall in Riyadh is the first of its kind to open in Saudi Arabia, as part the roll-out in the Kingdom by the cinema exhibitor
Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown cinema brand Muvi Cinemas opened the county’s first boutique cinema in Riyadh on 25 November 2021.
The compact boutique-themed-cinema offers four screens with a total of 383 seats.
In keeping with other Muvi Cinemas locations, Muvi Boutique – Tala Mall centered around the theme of urban downtown, with a design by Chapman and Taylor from the UK. The state-of-the-art cinema is designed to create an experience that takes patrons on a new cinematic journey.
The cinema is part of Tala Mall located on the King Abdul Aziz Road, Riyadh, which is home to a variety of retail outlets, supermarkets, restaurants, and a Kid’s zone.
Together with the opening of Boulevard Riyadh (in December 2021), Muvi Cinemas presently operates 195 screens across 20 locations in 9 cities across Saudi Arabia.
*More information on Boulevard Riyadh to follow
Contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities at Muvi Boutique – Tala Mall
Muvi Cinemas – Al-Yasmin Mall, Jeddah is fifth location by the operator in Jeddah.
Muvi Cinemas opened its twentieth location at Jeddah’s Al-Yasmin Mall on 20thJanuary 2022, extending the homegrown cinema chain’s network.
The latest cinema boasts 9 Screens with a total of 1,339 seats and features an Xperience screen for large screen cinema experience.
The 60,000 sq m, Yasmin Mall is an upbeat family friendly shopping mall and is home for 210 retail outlets and has a variety of entertainment and leisure options.
Together with the openings of muvi Boutique – Tala Mall and Boulevard Riyadh (which opened in December 2021), Muvi Cinemas presently operates 174 screens across 20 locations in 9 cities across Saudi Arabia.
*More information on muvi Boutique – Tala Mall (Riyadh), Boulevard Riyadh (Riyadh) to follow soon.
Contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of Muvi Cinemas – Al-Yasmin Mall.
Sources : Muvi, Saudi Gazzette
Muvi Cinemas opens the first ever movie theater in the city of Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia at Mujan Park – Khamis
Muvi Cinemas opened its newest location at Murjan Park in the city of Khamis Mushait – KSA, on 11January 2022.
The 9-screen cinema with a total of 1,368 seats also features a ScreenX and Xperience screen, and is the first ever theatre in the city of Khamis Mushait – a city in south-west Saudi Arabia, located east of Abha.
Similar to other locations operated by the exhibitor, Muvi Cinemas at Mujan Park – Khamis was designed by UK’s , and the mall the cinema is located in boasts a wide range of entertainment and shopping options, restaurants, and cafes for the entire family to enjoy and experience.
Together with the openings of muvi Boutique – Tala Mall and Boulevard Riyadh (which opened in December 2021) and Al-Yasmin Mall (which opened in January 2022), Muvi Cinemas presently operates 174 screens across 20 locations in 9 cities across Saudi Arabia.
*More information on muvi Boutique – Tala Mall (Riyadh), Boulevard Riyadh (Riyadh) and Al-Yasmin Mall (Jeddah) to follow soon.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of first ever cinema in Khamis Mushait, KSA – Muvi Cinemas Mujan Park – Khamis.
More cinemas reopen in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and parts of UAE after the three month COVID-19 closure.
Saudi Arabia lifted its national curfew on June 21, 2020 and resumed commercial activities, which included the reopening of cinemas across the country. However, in line with government restrictions, social distancing remains in place and wearing of masks is mandatory.
VOX and Muvi Cinemas have opened its door to patrons who have dearly missed one of their favourite pastimes since the lockdown was imposed. The two cinema exhibitors also posted videos on their 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
Click here for more information on VOX health and safety measures
Egypt significantly eased regulations against the spread of the coronavirus, cancelling the overnight lockdown on June 23, 2020, with cinemas among the list of venues allowed to reopen. VOX Cinemas Egypt opened its doors to the public on June 27, 2020, with all necessary health and safety measures in place – in line with government guidelines.
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Following the reopening of cinemas in Dubai and Ajman, and as part of the reopening of economic and tourism activities, cinemas in in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah also reopened at 50 per cent capacity on June 24, 2020. Individuals entering cinemas are still required to have their temperature checked at the entrance, wear face masks and observe physical distancing of two metres.
Cinemas in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt will screen previously released blockbusters from 2019 and early 2020, until new blockbusters start releasing from July 2020.
Contact us for more information on our attractive reopening cinema advertising packages in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE.
Related Article:
Cinemas Reopen in Dubai and Ajman – UAE
Sources: Gulf Business and The National
Dubai resumed the gradual reopening of business activities on Wednesday 27th May 2020 from 6am to 11pm in the city’s latest move to ease Covid-19 restrictions – which also included the reopening of cinemas across the emirate.
The emirate of Ajman followed suit with the opening of cinemas on Saturday 30th May 2020.
Currently, in line with government restrictions, individuals are still required to observe precautionary measures including wearing face masks and observing physical distancing of two metres, and individuals above the age of 60 and children under 13 years will not be allowed to enter cinemas.
Re-opening Dubai (Post Eid Al Fitr) – Cinema Protocols
VOX and Reel posted videos on their social media channels highlighting the safety and precautionary measures they have taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for moviegoers:
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Click here for more information on VOX health and safety measures
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Click here for more information on new safety measures at Reel.
Movies screening across cinemas in Dubai and Ajman include: Bloodshot, The Gentlemen, Bad Boys for Life, The Invisible Man, Baaghi 3 (Hindi), 1917, Birds of Prey, The Way Back, Midway, The Call of the Wild, Thief of Baghdad (Arabic), Sonic the Hedgehog, Jojo Rabbit and many other previously released blockbusters from 2019 and early 2020.
Contact us for more information on our attractive reopening cinema advertising packages in Dubai and Ajman.
Sources: Arabian Business, Khaleej Times and Dubai Economy – Government of Dubai
