The cinema industry successfully ushered global audiences back into theatre in 2022 largely owing to the steadier flow of blockbusters in comparison to 2021, with Top Gun: Maverick, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Avatar: The Way of Water leading the long list of successful titles this year.
While 2021 was a dress rehearsal for the future of cinemas, 2022 has proved that cinema is back for real. This was especially evident in Saudi Arabia, when the country overtook Italy in annual box office revenue (in US$ terms), highlighting the prominence of cinema in the region.
Box office in 2022 had its first test with Scream which grossed nearly US$1M in the UAE alone and marked the successful return of the horror genre in the region since the pandemic. This was followed by the chartbuster performance of Matt Reeve’s The Batman, which earned a combined US$12M in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which earned US$6.7M in the UAE.
Summer blockbusters highly contributed to the recovery of the global box office in 2022, with Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick grossing a combined US$21.2M in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and over US$1.5 billion globally. Jurassic World: Dominion and Minions: The Rise of Gru also performed well, grossing over US$1.7M and US$1.64M in UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively.
August to October was a challenging phase for cinemas in the region due to a weaker movie release schedule owing to pandemic-related delays. The year however ended on a high note with the release of James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, which earned close to US$10M in the UAE in its opening weeks. Arabic titles such as Bahebek, 3amohom, and Men Agl Zeko also topped the 2022 charts across GCC.
Here’s our 2022 wrap-up featuring the top movie releases in the eight countries we cover, the most watched genres across the region, the top 15 cinema ads booked through us that lit up the big screen, and last but not least, the new cinema locations added to our circuit and our milestones:
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Oman
Kuwait
Bahrain
Qatar
Lebanon
The 15 blockbuster ads (in no particular order) – booked through Motivate Val Morgan, that lit up the big screen in 2022 (also featured in Campaign Middle East):
Brand: Mercedes-Benz Burmester
Title: Innovations by Mercedes-Benz: Dolby Atmos
Media Agency: OMD
Brand: NEOM
Title: Trojena – Journey To New Heights
Media Agency: Starcom
Brand: Emirates
Title: Gerry the Goose Flies Better
Media Agency: UM MENA
Brand: Rolex
Title: Rolex & Cinema – The Path
Media Agency: Mindshare
Brand: Sephora
Title: Amna Al Qubaisi – Emirati F3 Driver – Redefining Beauty with Sephora
Media Agency: Spark Foundry – Publicis Media
Brand: Malabar Gold
Title: Brides of India
Brand: Hermès
Title: Terre d’Hermès
Media Agency: Havas Media
Brand: Thailand Tourism
Title: Amazing Thailand
Media Agency: Media Republic
Brand: Hayatna
Title: Grow Your World With Hayatna
Media Agency: Hearts & Science
Brand: Riyadh Book Fair
Media Agency: Blue Horizon
Brand: Infiniti QX60
Title: Take the Wheel
Media Agency: OMD
Brand: Jindal Shadeed
Media Agency: United Media Services
Brand: Theeb
Brand: Yas Island
Title: Yas Yas Baby
Media Agency: Initiative Media
Brand: Al Nahdi Pharmacies
2022 saw our cinema circuit expand with several new locations:
Our dedicated cinema buying platform – CinePlan and CineMeasure, was launched, which enables data-driven, audience-based buying across our network of cinemas in the Middle East. The platform was also recognized as one of Campaign Middle East’s Top 10 Media Milestones of 2022.
Get ready for an exciting year at the movies in 2023! Here are the top 20 movies to look forward to over the year ahead:
For more on the movies coming out in 2023, be sure to check out our sizzle reel
VOX Cinemas opened its fifteenth location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Jubail Galleria Mall in Jubail on 25th October 2021, in line with its commitment to make entertainment experiences accessible to everyone across Saudi Arabia, and contribute to the growth of the entertainment industry in the country.
Located at Jubail’s must-visit shopping and lifestyle destination, VOX Cinemas – Jubail Galleria Mall features five screens, including a Kids screen – a dedicated auditorium for young movie lovers to watch the latest family-friendly films. All auditoriums boast cutting-edge audio-visual technology for an unmatched cinematic experience.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head of Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas, and Lifestyle in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said: “VOX Cinemas is excited to join forces with Al Mutlaq Group to open our first cinema in Jubail as we continue to expand our footprint to new cities as well as opening entertainment experiences where we have an established presence. We’re also extremely proud to support job creation with the hiring of local talent, including our first female cinema manager in the Eastern region who will be leading our business in Jubail, as part of our commitment to realise the goals of Vision 2030. The Kingdom is evolving at a rapid pace into a global powerhouse of leisure and entertainment, and we will build on the success of 2021 by significantly increasing our pace of growth. We will also continue to introduce pioneering concepts that provide a place where communities can socialise and enjoy quality time together. We look forward to creating more great moments with our guests at VOX Cinemas Galleria Mall – Jubail.”
Abir Al Mutlaq, Director of Transformation, Al Mutlaq Group added: “VOX Cinemas has a wealth of market expertise and consistently delivers exceptional entertainment experiences for families throughout the Kingdom. We are extremely proud to collaborate once again following our first opening at The Roof in Riyadh in 2019. The state-of-the-art cinema is the first-of-its-kind in Jubail Industrial City and a strategic addition to Galleria Mall. We are confident that it will be a popular entertainment destination with families and movie lovers in the Eastern Province.”
With the opening of Jubail Galleria Mall, VOX Cinemas now operate a total of 154 screens across 15 cinemas in 6 cities in KSA, making it the largest exhibitor by screen count and ticket sales in the country. It is also the largest independent film distributor in the Kingdom.
Click here to book your tickets at this new cinema, and Contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of VOX Cinemas – Jubail Galleria Mall.
Sources: Zawya and VOX Cinemas
VOX Cinemas – Mall of Oman is the largest cinema in the Sultanate.
The cinema features 3 Gold cinemas – the cinema exhibitor’s first luxury cinema offering in Oman
VOX Cinemas opened its largest cinema in Oman at the newly launched Mall of Oman in Muscat on 1st September 2021. The 15-screen cinema, with a total of 1471 seats, features IMAX, Gold and Kids concepts.
The three Gold cinemas at VOX Cinemas – Mall of Oman is the cinema exhibitor’s first luxury offering in the Sultanate, with an adjoining VIP Lounge offering moviegoers a luxurious and diverse menu of popular and modern flavors presented in signature VOX style.
In addition to refreshment counter favourites such as popcorn, nachos and hotdogs/burgers, cinemagoers of VOX Cinemas – Mall of Oman can also indulge at the Nutella Bar and Kitchen 35 – a bakeshop with artisan breads, pastries and fresh juices.
Mall of Oman is home to a host of brands including a 9,000 square meter Carrefour Hypermarket and several brands from Landmark Group (Max Fashion and Centrepoint), Majid Al Futtaim (Hollister), Al Futtaim Group (Marks & Spencer) and Apparel Group (LC Waikiki, R&B and SMYK). Other famous outlets at the mall include DKNY, Nespresso, G-SHOCK, Homes R Us, Tavola and Al Khalili Buildex. The mall also features a 1,000 plus seater food court which offers a selection of global chains. For patrons looking for more indulgent cuisine options from across the globe, the mall will soon feature various cafés and restaurants, including over 50 dining options.
80% of Mall of Oman’s gross leasable area is leased and the mall is set to welcome over 300 additional retail outlets in the coming months. The mall will also feature the largest indoor snow park in the Sultanate next year, spanning over 14,000 square meters.
VOX Cinemas presently operates 78 screens across 14 locations in 6 cities of Oman.
As the official cinema advertising partner of VOX Cinemas, Motivate Val Morgan congratulates the exhibitor on the opening of its largest cinema in the Sultanate of Oman, and warmly welcomes this new location to our regional cinema circuit.
Click here to book your tickets at this new cinema, and contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of VOX Cinemas – Mall of Oman.
Sources: Majid Al Futtaim (Press Release) and Arabian Business
VOX Cinemas The Esplanade is integrated with Yalla! Bowling and offers a variety of high-end cinematic experiences including GOLD, MAX, and KIDS.
VOX Cinemas celebrated the opening of its latest integrated cinema experience with the launch of VOX Cinemas The Esplanade in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 19 August 2021. The opening marks the third fully launched project between VOX Cinemas and Unified Real Estate Development Company as part of a SAR 500 million multi-project investment commitment to develop seven integrated leisure, entertainment, and cinemas experiences across the Kingdom.
The 8-screen multiplex with 868 seats is integrated with Yalla! Bowling, a selection of games including billiard tables and air hockey as well as F&B to complement the cinematic experience. The new cinema endorses signature VOX concepts namely MAX, KIDS and GOLD.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas and Lifestyle added, “Our expansion in Saudi Arabia continues, and we’re excited to bring more entertainment experiences to communities in Saudi Arabia with the opening of VOX Cinemas The Esplanade. This latest offering is the perfect location to reach a wider audience of movie lovers and anyone else seeking a memorable experience. We are proud to collaborate with Unified Real Estate Development Company once again as together we make a deeper contribution to the Kingdom’s Quality of Life program and Vision 2030. We are committed to continuously investing in our expansion in the Kingdom, especially with the growing demand for world-class, immersive cinematic experiences. We look forward to welcoming people across the community and creating even more great moments with our guests.”
Prince Bandar bin Khalid F. Al Saud, President of Unified Real Estate Development Company added: “Riyadh continues to grow and evolve as a compelling entertainment option in the region, and we are pleased to be a part of this development alongside Majid Al Futtaim. The VOX Cinemas location at The Esplanade promises a rich variety of entertainment experiences to complement the on-screen action, making it an ideal fit for the discerning visitors of The Esplanade.”
In April, VOX Cinemas opened the first ever multiplex in Hail in collaboration with Unified Real Estate Development Company, the largest and fastest-growing outdoor shopping center developer in Saudi Arabia, and together they also have a location at Town Square in Jeddah.
VOX Cinemas presently operates 149 screens across 14 locations in 5 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates VOX Cinemas on the launch of The Esplanade, and warmly welcomes this new location to our cinema circuit in Saudi Arabia.
Contact us to advertise your brand on the screens of VOX Cinemas – The Esplanade.
Source: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
VOX Cinemas opens Qatar’s most luxurious cinema at Doha Oasis.
VOX Cinemas launched its second location in Qatar at Doha Oasis on 1 July 2021. The 19-screen cinema with a total of 1,239 seats includes five luxury auditoriums- four VIP and one VVIP, allowing cinemagoers to sit back and relax in reclining leather seats while enjoying in-seat dining, as well as signature VOX concepts such as 4DX and Kids.
Guests can also enjoy gourmet cuisine in the private dining room or indulge in their favourite cinema snacks at the Candy Bar. The new state-of-the-art multiplex is integrated with Yalla! Bowling, which will have eight lanes and feature the most advanced digital score keeping computers and video simulations. This underpins VOX Cinemas’ commitment to provide families with unrivalled and customer-focused entertainment concepts.
Fadi Kahal, Regional Manager, VOX Cinemas said, “VOX Cinemas Doha Oasis is taking the luxury cinematic experience to the next level with the ultimate VIP concept and an exceptional offering that caters for the whole family. The all-encompassing entertainment destination is in line with our commitment to innovate and introduce world-class entertainment options that go beyond guests’ expectations. We are very excited to welcome new guests and create great moments together at our latest offering in Qatar.”
VOX Cinemas Doha Oasis has implemented an all-encompassing sanitisation and physical distancing plan to ensure that guests can have an exceptional experience with added comfort and peace of mind.
The cinema exhibitor presently operates 37 screens across 2 locations in Qatar, and 600+ screens across 50+ locations in 8 countries across the MENA region.
Motivate Val Morgan warmly congratulates VOX Cinemas on the opening of Doha Oasis and welcomes this new location to our regional circuit.
Contact us to advertise your brand on the screens of VOX Cinemas – Doha Oasis.
Source: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
VOX Cinemas continues to expand its footprint across Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new 7-screen multiplex at The Spot – Sheikh Jaber in Riyadh.
VOX Cinemas launched a state-of-the-art multiplex at The Spot – Sheikh Jaber in Riyadh on 19 May 2021. The 7-screen cinema with a total of 662 seats and VIP and KIDS experiences is the result of a partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and Rakaa Holding to bring five new integrated entertainment destinations to Riyadh and Jizan.
Providing entertainment for the entire family, the latest location features a modern eight-lane Yalla! Bowling alley and a games section furnished with billiards tables and air hockey.
Commenting on the opening, Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas and Lifestyle said, “VOX Cinemas is extremely proud to partner with Rakaa Holding to expand our footprint across Saudi Arabia, which is a key strategic market for us. This launch demonstrates our alignment with Vision 2030’s ambitions to increase the number of family entertainment centres and our commitment to making world-class entertainment accessible to communities throughout the Kingdom. We look forward to welcoming guests to our latest cinematic experience and creating even more great moments for them to enjoy.”
Hamad Al Malik, Board Member of Rakaa Holding added: “We are proud to collaborate with Majid Al Futtaim, which is synonymous with customer-focused and innovative experiences. Saudi Arabia has a thriving leisure and entertainment sector and, given Majid Al Futtaim’s market understanding and expertise, we are confident that these new developments will be hugely successful.”
VOX Cinemas presently operates 141 screens across 13 locations in 5 cities of Saudi Arabia, making it the largest exhibitor by screen count, and the largest independent distributor in the Kingdom. Motivate Val Morgan warmly congratulates VOX Cinemas on the opening of The Spot – Sheikh Jaber and warmly welcomes this new location to our cinema circuit in Saudi Arabia.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities at VOX Cinemas The Spot – Sheikh Jaber.
Sources: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, launched a new multiplex at Town Square, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 29th November 2020.
The 12-screen cinema with a total of 1367 seats, boasts numerous firsts including the Kingdom’s first MX4D, the newest evolution in 4D cinema, and ICE (Immersive Cinema Experience), which provides a truly sensorial experience. It also features IMAX with Laser, VIP and KIDS screens. Guests can also indulge in their favourite cinema snacks from the Nutella and Candy Bar.
The inauguration was attended by His Highness Prince Bandar Bin Khalid F. Al Saud; Nasser Bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi, UAE Consul-General to Jeddah, the admired Saudi singer Abdulrab Idrees and Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head of Majid Al Futtaim Ventures Saudi Arabia.
The opening of the new multiplex marks VOX’s 11th cinema in Saudi Arabia and consolidates its ambitious expansion plans across the Kingdom as part of its commitment to Vision 2030.
With a total of 124 screens, across 11 cinemas, in 4 cities, VOX Cinemas is the largest exhibitor by screen count and the largest independent distributor in Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head at Majid Al Futtaim Ventures KSA, said, “We are proud to partner with Unified Real Estate Development to open VOX Cinemas Town Square, Jeddah which marks our third launch post lock-down and will create job opportunities for 200 people. At VOX Cinemas, we remain fundamentally confident about the future of the cinema industry and will continue with our ambitious growth strategy in support of the Quality of Life program. In the coming months, we will expand our footprint with openings in new cities including Hail and Jubail as part of our commitment to make our innovative and unrivalled leisure and entertainment experiences accessible to everyone, even in remote cities. Saudi Arabia can now proudly say that their cinemas are without question, the best in the world!”
He added, “In the context of emerging markets, no one is embracing cinema as keenly as audiences across the Kingdom and we believe that it will become a top 10 global market for cinema and generate $1 billion in box office revenue in the next three to five years. We believe Saudi Arabia is the only market in the world to have expanded in 2020, which is quite extraordinary given the current climate and highlights how critical it is to the industry’s future. We look forward to leveraging the growth opportunities that Saudi’s burgeoning entertainment sector presents by introducing more world-class integrated entertainment experiences and supporting the Kingdom’s evolution towards its 2030 Vision.”
We at Motivate Val Morgan congratulate VOX Cinemas on the opening of the new multiplex at Town Square in Jeddah, and warmly welcome this location to our cinema circuit in KSA.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities at Town Square, Jeddah, KSA.
Sources: VOX Cinemas, Eat’N Stays and albilad
Abu Dhabi’s biggest VOX Cinemas opens at The Galleria Al Maryah Island
VOX Cinemas has added yet another location to its portfolio in Abu Dhabi. The brand new multiplex at The Galleria Al Maryah Island – located on the fourth floor of the North Atrium, opened its doors to cinemagoers on Thursday 5th September 2019.
VOX Cinemas – The Galleria Al Maryah Island offers an impressive 21 screens with a total seating capacity of 1,738 seats. The cinema is home to Abu Dhabi’s first IMAX screen (next-generation laser projection system to deliver stunning, crystal-clear images on the biggest screens for the world’s most immersive cinematic experience) and also includes Theatre by Rhodes (where fine food meets films) and Kids (designed especially for little movie lovers) screens. It is a cinema for all kinds of moviegoers – families with kids, luxury lovers and experience seekers.
VOX’s homegrown signature F&B outlets – Nutella Bar, Pizza Al Taglio and Kitchen 35, will also be available on site.
“VOX Cinemas continues to provide a compelling attraction for communities and our latest venture on Al Maryah Island is testament to its enduring appeal and success. We cannot wait for movie fans to experience our largest cinema in the capital and enjoy the many immersive cinema concepts we offer, including IMAX with Laser, an unrivalled and unmissable technology in the world of film,” commented Cameron Mitchell, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure and Entertainment.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island will reinforce Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas’ status as the fastest growing and most innovative cinema exhibitor in Abu Dhabi. The cinema exhibitor presently operates 440 screens across 44 cinema locations in UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait and KSA.
We at Motivate Val Morgan would like to congratulate VOX Cinemas on the opening of the cinema at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, and as the exclusive cinema advertising partner, welcome this new location to our circuit in the UAE.
Contact us for more information on cinema advertising opportunities at VOX Cinemas – The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.
Related Articles:
New VOX Locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Source: albawaba (Business)
Nestlé Pure Life – popular brand of bottled water, recently booked a cinema campaign through Motivate Val Morgan, at VOX Cinemas – Mall of Egypt.
Booked through Zenith Media, the cinema campaign featured an on-screen commercial and included a sampling activity inside the Kids cinema at VOX Cinemas – Mall of Egypt.
On-screen Advertisement:
A 30 sec. on-screen commercial was booked to screen from 3rd April until 7th May 2019. The advertisement informed children to look inside the water bottle (placed in the cup holder), for a message pertaining to hydration and the importance of water.
Watch the on-screen commercial below:
Sampling Activity:
A sampling activity was scheduled to be executed in 4 bursts over 4 weekends during the month of April.
1st Burst: 04th – 06th April 2019
2nd Burst: 11th – 13th April 2019
3rd Burst: 18th – 20th April 2019
4th Burst: 25th – 30th April 2019*
*The activity scheduled for this weekend will be executed for 3 additional days.
Nestlé Pure Life bottles with a special packaging label – featuring images of animals such as Gorillas’ Leopards, Lions, Penguins, Parrots and Frogs, were placed in the cup holder of each seat, while some of the bottles were placed below select seats.
As the trailers commenced, the on-screen ad also displayed a message asking the audience to look under the seats for another bottle. The kids who found these bottles received a discount voucher from Toys’R’Us .
As part of the sampling activity, usherers were hired to distribute flyers to cinemagoers entering the Kids cinema.
Interested in running a similar integrated cinema campaign in UAE, Lebanon, Oman, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait or KSA?
Contact a member of our sales team for more information.
Related Articles:
Samsung | Integrated Cinema Campaign | UAE
Wego | Cinema Campaign | UAE and KSA
Carriage | Cinema Brand Activation | VOX Cinemas – Mall of the Emirates
Kibsons International | Cinema Campaign
Source: Nestlé Pure Life
VOX Cinemas recently added two new locations to its portfolio – Al Jimi Mall in UAE and City Centre Suhar in Oman.
On Thursday 24th January 2019, VOX Cinemas opened its first location in Al Ain (UAE) at Al Jimi Mall. The cinema is home to 8 screens with a total seating capacity of 646 seats, and includes MAX, Kids and Theatre by Rhodes experiences.
On Tuesday 22nd January 2019, VOX Cinemas opened its second location in Sohar (Oman) – City Centre Suhar. The cinema is home to 9 screens with a total seating capacity of 996 seats, and includes MAX and Kids experiences.
With the addition of these two new locations, VOX Cinemas presently operates 200 screens across 18 locations in the UAE and 58 screens across 12 locations in Oman.
Contact us for more information on cinema advertising opportunities across all locations operated by VOX Cinemas – UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
