Check out the ads that featured in cinema during the Eid al-Fitr 2024 long weekend!
The spirit of Eid al-Fitr once again filled the region, transforming the long weekend into a vibrant celebration. Families and friends flocked to shopping malls and entertainment hubs, eager to connect and revel in the festivities.
With more than 14 highly anticipated movies from various genres and languages being released, movie theaters resonated with laughter and excitement as audiences rushed to see the latest releases on the big screen. This festive atmosphere provided a perfect platform for brands to capture hearts and minds through cinema advertising.
From riveting ads by fast food chains, automobile companies, and airlines, here are the commercials that lit up the big screen during Eid al-Fitr 2024:
McDonald’s – FTM Dune: Part Two
Country: Qatar
Operator(s): Select VOX locations
BYD – FTM Dune: Part Two
Country: KSA
Operator(s): Select VOX & AMC locations
Almarai – FTM Kung Fu Panda 4
Country: KSA
Operator(s): Select VOX, Muvi, AMC & Reel locations
Birmingham University Dubai – Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Country: UAE
Operator(s): Select VOX locations
Lulu
Country: UAE
Operator(s): Select Royal, CinemaCity, Cinépolis, Oscar, Reel & VOX locations
WWE 2K24
Country: KSA
Operator(s): Select AMC & Muvi locations
Abdul Samad Qurashi
Country: KSA
Operator(s): Select AMC, Muvi & VOX locations
Dallah Hospitals
Country: KSA
Operator(s): Select AMC, Muvi & VOX locations
Disabled Children’s Association (DCA)
Country: KSA
Operator(s): Select AMC, Muvi, Reel & VOX locations
Green Farms
Country: KSA
Operator(s): Select AMC, Muvi & VOX locations
National Transformation Program (NTP)
Country: KSA (Saudi Arabia)
Operator(s): Select AMC, Muvi & VOX locations
Gulf Air
Country: Bahrain
Operator(s): Select VOX locations
Oman Post / Asyad Express
Country: Oman
Operator(s): Select Cinepolis & VOX locations
Royal Opera House
Country: Oman
Operator(s): Select VOX locations
Burger King
Country: Egypt
Operator(s): VOX locations
Garnier
Country: Egypt
Operator(s): VOX locations
Hardees
Country: Egypt
Operator(s): VOX locations
Misr Life Insurance
Country: Egypt
Operator(s): VOX locations
Noon
Country: Egypt
Operator(s): VOX locations
CBK
Country: Kuwait
Operator(s): VOX Cinemas
Kuwait Finance House (KFH)
Country: Kuwait
Operator(s): VOX Cinemas
Porsche
Country: Kuwait
Operator(s): VOX Cinemas
Think cinema for ‘attention-grabbing’ advertising! Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities alongside special events and celebrations.
META Cinema Forum brings together cinema stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and CIS countries, committing to elevate the cinematic experience in emerging markets.
The sixth edition of the highly successful META Cinema Forum took place between November 7-8, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai under the theme ‘Growing the Region’s Cinema Share,’ exemplifying a dedicated commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the industry.
The event, attended by over 500 delegates, visitors, buyers, sellers, and other industry stakeholders, featured engaging discussions, presentations, and workshops addressing the industry’s challenges, solutions, and current market dynamics. Key topics covered included Regional Content Production and International Collaboration, Cinemas of the Future, as well as a comprehensive exploration of emerging cinema trends and technologies, incorporating vital cinema statistics and case studies delving into Rewarding Patrons and Effective Pricing Strategies.
A myriad of stands, presenting the latest products, services, and technologies from a carefully curated selection of industry suppliers, technology providers, and stakeholders, were also showcased at the event.
The forum also attracted the biggest cinema operators in the region as partners in success, with VOX Cinemas, the forum’s strategic partner, alongside AMC KSA, Cinepolis, Muvi, and other cinema operators presenting their future expansion plans.
A notable feature of this year’s edition was the spotlight on Women in Film and TV (WIFT). The event showcased a round table discussion titled ‘Beyond the Glitz,’ featuring prominent female panelists such as Nancy Paton, Founder of Desert Rose Films and President of WIFTGCC, Charlotte Louise Sutcliffe, Entertainment Lawyer and Associate at CWB, and Head of Events at WIFTGCC, Ozge Conduroglu, Acquisition & Distribution Lead at The Plot Pictures MENA, and Ashleigh Potts, Marketing Director at Studio Distribution, Majid Al Futtaim LLC.
Additionally, the forum celebrated rising female Emirati filmmakers Zainab Shaheen, Maitha Al Awadi, Eman Al Sayed, and Sarraa Al Shehhi. The spotlight also shone on Nayla Al Khaja, the first Emirati film director, who received recognition at the WIFT MENA AWARDS during the event.
Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner, Great Mind Events Management, remarked, “The success of the 6th META Cinema Forum reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing the cinematic landscape in emerging markets. This year’s event has reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared experiences within the industry. We are excited about the future possibilities and the role META Cinema Forum will continue to play in shaping the cinema sector in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region.”
The two-day cinema conference also featured special screenings, including the latest Marvel movie ‘The Marvels’.
The highlight of the event was The META Cinema Awards and Gala Reception—a night of celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in the cinema industry. Nathan Gilligan, Senior Operations Manager at Comscore, and Nena Loncar, Client Insights Manager at Comscore, presented the awards. Recipients of this year’s META Cinema Awards include:”
Motivate Val Morgan was one of the media partners for the META Cinema Forum and a supporting partner for Meta Cinema Forum 2023.
Saudi Arabia celebrated its 92nd National Day on 23rd September 2022, commemorating the birth of the modern Saudi nation.
This year’s theme and slogan was ‘This is our Home’- appreciating the cultural diversity of the country that makes everyone feel at home, whether they are Saudi nationals or expats.
Cinema was a popular medium for brands to convey their wishes to the nation this year. From French multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products – Sephora, to Saudi based telecom provider – Salam, STC and more… here’s a look at ads that lit up the big screen to honour the Kingdom’s national day:
Sephora
The cinema ad by Sephora features Saudi expressionist artist Ghada Al Rabea – a strong Saudi woman, who holds her culture at high esteem, but never shies away from her passion for art.
Commercial Duration: 15 Sec
Locations: Multiple VOX locations
Monsha’at
The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority – Monsha’at booked a national day cinema ad celebrating the nation’s identity, culture, leadership and growth over the years.
Commercial Duration: 127 Sec
Locations: Multiple AMC and Muvi locations
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 Secs
Locations: Multiple AMC, Muvi and VOX locations
Salam Mobile
Saudi Arabia’s new mobile service Salam mobile in their National Day ad features a virtually performed ballad about the nation’s heroic history by well-known Saudi artists from across the nation.
Commercial Duration: 180 Sec
Locations: Multiple AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi and VOX locations
Saudi Electricity Company
KSA’s energy provider Saudi Electricity Company in their National Day ad emphasized its commitment to illuminate the nation’s future – “she is home to us, and we are the light for.”
Commercial Duration: 86 Sec
Locations: Multiple AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi and VOX locations
STC
Saudi Telecom Company commemorates this year’s national day by highlighting the nation’s support and empowerment for the advancement of its people.
Commercial Duration: 60 Sec
Locations: Select AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi and VOX locations
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile in a tactical campaign, promoted their ‘National Day Special Offer’ on the big screens of cinemas across the country.
Commercial Duration: 15 Sec
Locations: Select AMC, Muvi and VOX locations
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 to mark these special days!
Cinépolis Cinemas – Amwaj Islands features five-screens with a variety of seating options, and is part of the Amwaj Village project in Bahrain.
Cinépolis opened its newest location at Amwaj Islands in Bahrain on 08 July 2022.
The five-screen cinema features a variety of seating options – including signature standard seating, deluxe seats equipped with on-demand waiter service with a convenient call button, and recliner seats that offer an exclusive luxury viewing experience.
The cinema exhibitor has also elevated its traditional popcorn offering in Bahrain by introducing new flavors – Spicy and Pizza, has introduced online F&B ordering when booking tickets from its website, and will be launching its hot food menu soon.
Alejandro Aguilera, CEO of Cinépolis Cinemas says: “We’re really excited about our latest location in Amwaj, especially as we will be catering to the residents of Amwaj and Muharraq. As an international operator, we are excited to bring our best practices and experiences both to the locals and expats. The design and layout of the three seating categories in the auditoriums gives a different experience for all movie goers.”
The multi-screen cinema is part of the Amwaj Village project, which is home to a host of shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets.
Cinépolis Cinemas currently operates 18 screens in 2 locations across Bahrain, and with the recently opened Al Hokair Time in KSA, the exhibitor has a total of 81 screens in 9 cities across the region.
Contact us to advertise your brand on the screens of Cinépolis Cinemas in the Middle East.
Sources: Cinépolis Cinemas
Saudi Tourism recently booked two off screen cinema advertising campaigns – through PHD, across the Motivate Val Morgan regional circuit.
The first wave of the campaign commenced in December 2021 across multiple VOX Cinema locations in UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, and Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall in UAE. The second wave commenced in February 2022 across multiple Muvi, AMC and VOX cinema locations, and Cinépolis –Jameah Plaza in Saudi Arabia.
The campaign covered a variety of digital screens across the cinemas, which included digital pillars, hero screens, entrance lightboxes and main trailer screens.
Also check out the Saudi Tourism Authority on screen cinema ad booked through Motivate Val Morgan in 2021.
Integrated cinema campaigns provide greater brand visibility and enable brands to target cinemagoers across multiple touchpoints.
Contact us for more information on integrated cinema campaigns across our cinema circuit.
Including META Cinema Forum Awards, Screenings and More
October 27, 2020 – Dubai, UAE. The third edition of META Cinema Forum kicked off today and is supported by the cinema giants in the region. Throughout the two days the conference will discuss all the latest projects and developments in the industry and the effect that COVID-19 has had on the cinema industry, projections, plans and the vision for recovery.
Taking place on 27 -28 October at VOX Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates, the event will gather 28 of the industry’s leaders in cinema production, distribution, construction, and technology. For the first time ever, the event is taking place in a hybrid format, welcoming attendees to attend physically or virtually via video conferencing technology. The speakers and the panelists choose whether to participate in the physical form hosted at the VOX Cinemas, or on a digital platform, making the event accessible to all and a global first live hybrid event to be shown in a cinema.
Focusing on the current challenges the industry is facing, the content and format has been adjusted accordingly to cater to the needs of the industry and commenced with the welcome remarks from Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner of Great Minds Event Management, organisers and Head of the META Cinema Forum team followed by the Forum’s Strategic Partner, VOX Cinemas, Cameron Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment.
At the welcome remarks, Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner of Great Minds Event Management said: “We are thrilled to host the world’s first hybrid conference shown live on digital platform and at a cinema, with speakers participating in person or virtually, all blended together for a seamless hybrid experience like no other. We continue to commit to our promise to deliver the richest up-to-date cinema industry content for the Middle East and African markets, working with some of the most influential cinema experts in the world.”
Masinaei continues, “As always the Forum includes features such as slate content presentations, special screenings, an awards ceremony, a post-event reception as well as product showcases, but in the new hybrid format blending the virtual and physical together for a first time ever experience. We are excited to welcome many new delegates to this year’s edition, whom had not attended the pervious editions and is made possible thanks to having the option to attend virtually, this is a blessing of the new era I think we sometimes forget to mention.”
At the opening keynote from Event Strategic Partner: Cameron Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment, said ”The future of film depends on enhanced collaboration and, VOX Cinemas is proud to once again partner with the META Cinema Forum, which provides an important platform for key stakeholders and leading industry players to engage in open dialogue, share knowledge, challenges and ideas so that we can jointly as an industry navigate the unchartered waters of COVID-19 together and ensure the longevity of the cinema industry.”
He continued, “Cinema is one of the oldest cultural institutions, which has weathered numerous societal storms, wars and prospered through over a century of challenges. At VOX Cinemas, we remain fundamentally confident about the future and resilience of the industry and firmly believe that, if we continue to evolve in line with guest feedback and emerging trends, cinema will find a way, as it has throughout its history, to not just survive but thrive.”
Followed by insightful speech about cinema statistics and analysis during and post-pandemic era by Pablo Carrera, Principal Analyst- Cinema, Omdia. The data shared was exclusively research for META Cinema Forum and presented for the first time to a global audience.
Next on the agenda was a keynote panel discussion titled: Effect of COVID-19 on the cinema industry, projections, plans and vision for recovery and beyond where John Iozzi, CEO and Managing Director, AMC Cinemas – KSA, Maria Gedeon, Marketing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment and Cinemas, Phil Clapp, Chief Executive, UK Cinema Association and John Donnelly, Business Development Director, Dolby Laboratories discussed critical topics such as the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the cinema industry across the globe and in the META region, future of the cinema industry, market forecasts, operating cinemas within the “new normal”, profitability of cinemas at reduced capacity and most importantly, the road to recovery.
The Panel Discussion was followed up by a technical presentation from Dolby.
The second panel of the day, addressed the most critical subject in the theatrical industry, content. As the global news outlets have reported, cinemas are shutting down around the world due to lack of content and continued delays in blockbuster releases from the studios. The META region has a unique advantage by having access to a diverse range of content to cater to their population rich in diversity, and if nurtured, would not only survive the pandemic, but lead the way in the global cinema recovery by pioneering diversified content sources for the cinemas.
Experts offered their perspective on the subject from their unique positions in academia, production, distribution, event cinema, and cinema exhibition, the panel discussion was joined by Toni El Massih, Chief Content Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, Joel Haikali, Director/Producer at Joe Vision Production, Chairperson of Namibia Film Commission Board, Co-founder of the Creative Industry Guide Africa, Rony Mitri, Independent Distribution Advisor, Melissa Cogavin, Consultant, Melissa Cogavin Ltd, Dr. Fazal Malik, Dean Humanities, Arts and Applied Sciences, Amity University Dubai, Grainne Peat, Managing Director, Event Cinema Association and Serge Zabbal, Business Director, Empire Entertainment.
The final panel discussion of the day was dedicated to the latest in cinema technology and unique products that are being developed with the cinema recovery around the world.
Showreels of upcoming features from various studios were shown throughout the day, and day one was wrapped up by a special film screening of a film that was shot in Dubai, Twisted Blues and this is the first time the film has been played on the big screen.
Day two of the forum is jam-packed with live sessions hosted at VOX Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates, slate content presentations, an awards ceremony and post-event reception.
The forum has attracted the biggest cinema operators in the region to be its partners in success. VOX Cinemas is the forum’s strategic partner whilst Novo, AMC KSA, Cinepolis, Cinepax and FilmOne are the forum’s Cinema Partners. The list of production and distribution partners for the 2020 edition includes Empire Entertainment, Sony, SPRI, and FilmOne.
Related Article:
META Cinema Forum Confirms 2020 Event in Hybrid Format
Highlights from MENA Cinema Forum 2019
Highlights from MENA Cinema Forum 2018
Source: META Cinema Forum (Press Release)
The second edition of the MENA Cinema Forum – largest conference and exhibition dedicated to cinema in the MENA region, organized by Great Minds Events took place at Conrad Dubai from 22nd to 24th October 2019.
From conferences, workshops, corporate meetings, film slates, screenings, post-event receptions, an expo and awards ceremony, and much more, this year’s forum was on a much larger in scale – richer in content and designed to enhance the industry evolution through updates on regional projects and policies, technological and technical advancements in cinemas and best practices in next generation of customer experience and engagement, through a mixture of various content and mediums.
2019 witnessed over 60 speakers, 200+ C-Level Executives, 800+ attendees, 115+ sponsors and exhibitors from 50+ countries.
Day 1 kicked off with an Opening Keynote by the Strategic Partner of the MENA Cinema Conference: Cameron Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment.
The panel discussion on MENA Cinema Upcoming Project Updates included:
The panel also indulged in a live debate chaired by Jan Runge, MENA Cinema Chairman & Advisor, answering questions from the delegates and attendees at the forum.
Day 1 also featured a presentation focusing on ‘Cinema Strategies and Statistic Updates’ delivered by Rajkumar Akella, Managing Director, Comscore India (Movies)
His discussion included the following:
Ashish Shukla, the Chief Executive Officer of Cinépolis Gulf addressed the audience with project updates from the fastest growing international exhibitor in the region – Cinépolis. He also unveiled a new special and exclusive project and partnership in the UAE.
The event was held across 2 levels at the Conrad Dubai; one to host conference sessions and the other for exhibitors to showcase their products and technologies.
The Trade Show on Day 1 featured technical seminars on:
Day 2 included a mix of presentations and panel discussions that focused on:
Technical Seminars on Day 2 of the forum included:
Day 3 focused on regional content production, best practices in this field and regional and international collaborations. A series of 6 masterclasses addressed pertinent topics such as film financing, script writing, production and acting, catered to professionals and newcomers alike.
New to 2019 were workshops and masterclasses on key topics for a more interactive and hands-on learning experiences – delivered by global leaders to help enhance learning and growth opportunities at the forum.
The workshops held on day 3 covered range of topics and themes:
MENA Cinema Forum also hosted an Expo – The largest exhibition of its kind in the region, and amongst one the largest cinema expos globally, for the second time round, following the success of last year’s round.
The exhibition introduced interesting and interactive attractions including but not limited to floor talks, product demos, themed entertainment, mini-screenings, an Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality zones, rest and refreshment parlors.
The Awards ceremony – presented by Comscore and co-presented by Dubai Studio City, are globally recognized and are a fixture of the big global conventions, and now in MENA. These awards are based on quantitative data measuring performance of all sectors and markets across the globe with identical metrics.
Here’s a list of this year’s winners:
Expanding its scope as an event for the cinema industry – with the aim to engage, wow and inspire, this year included several international and regional content screenings at VOX Cinemas – Mall of the Emirates and Reel Cinemas – Dubai Mall: International films such as The Addams Family, Terminator: Dark Fate, Leonardo – The Works and Zombieland: Double Tap. Other screenings included: local and regional content such as Son-Mother.
Pass holders were given the opportunity to interact with cast and crew of some of these feature films.
At the end of each day of the forum, post-event reception – in a themed setting, offered refreshment and entertainment in a fun and relaxed atmosphere for attendees to mingle and further nourish their friendships and business relationships.
Here’s a video with highlights from MENA Cinema Forum 2019:
The next forum will be held in October 2020.
For more information on the MENA Cinema Forum visit www.menacinema.com
Sources: Zawya and MENA Cinema Forum
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