Photo via AFP
In 2018, the chairman of Development and Investment Entertainment Company (DIEC) announced that his firm would be developing about 20 centers – each around 50,000 to 100,000 square meters – in 14 to 15 cities across the Kingdom. This landmark announcement was part of a larger wave of cinema openings across Saudi Arabia, which unfolded just months after the 35-year-old ban was lifted following the ascension of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
Saudi cinema lovers rejoice: A new cinema hall is set to open at Al-Jubail Mall in the Eastern Province. The cinema will include five screens and have a capacity for 416 seats. pic.twitter.com/b2HoWoMmRc
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) August 25, 2020
This week, continuing with the Kingdom’s efforts to offer its nationals and residents a range of entertainment facilities such as venues for public performances, restaurants, and retail spaces, another cinema is opening its doors this time in Jubail, in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province. The launch was announced this week by Saudi Arabia’s General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM).
The new cinema will be in Al-Jubail Mall, and will offer moviegoers five state-of-the-art screens and 416 seats. This cinema is not only impressive in size, it will be one of few cinemas to open in Jubail, and therefore expects to see significant numbers walk through its doors on opening day.
A defining year for Arts & Culture in #Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/uDCzBAGxxp
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) June 21, 2020
Saudi Arabia has been working on promoting new options for participation in cultural, entertainment, and sporting events that contribute to the Kingdom’s quality of life under its aptly named Quality of Life Program 2020. Under this program’s many objectives, two key ones are the development of diverse entertainment opportunities to meet the needs of the population and the enhancement of Saudi contribution to arts and culture.
With regards to arts and culture, the program includes plans for the creation of an island for arts and culture in Jeddah, the opening of 45 cinemas, 16 theaters, 42 libraries, and the Royal Arts Complex in Riyadh by 2020.
