Image via GQ Middle East
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and the nation’s first home grown cinema brand, muvi Cinemas, have joined forces to launch the Kingdom’s first-ever drive-through cinema in the capital city of Riyadh. This unique theater has a capacity of 150 cars at any given time, allowing moviegoers to drive into the space with their vehicle and enjoy a distinct cinema experience while staying safe.
Speaking to Saudi Arabian television station MBC, spokesman for the launch event, Hassan Al Qarni, explained that the event is a new concept for watching “Arab and foreign films in an appropriate atmosphere.” Indeed, the cinema will offer viewers the latest when it comes to Arabic, Hollywood, and Bollywood films.
Our retro dreams are coming true: Saudi Arabia's MUVI Cinemas opened the country's first drive-in, pop-up movie theatre in Riyadh, where up to 150 vehicles can fit while maintaining social distancing regulations. pic.twitter.com/Denk39gBod
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) January 22, 2021
The launch of the drive-through cinema comes at a perfect time as Saudi Arabia’s weather transitions into the peak of winter, providing the perfect mood to be outside and catch a good movie under the stars. It also comes at a time when the world is still grappling with innovative ways to curb the spread of COVID-19 while still offering citizens options for entertainment and fun.
Mexican movie theater chain Cinépolis already has a couple of cinemas in Saudi Arabia, but is getting ready to "invest $300 million over five years in operating cinemas across the kingdom."https://t.co/WponXpxCmP
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) January 18, 2021
Ever since rescinding the ban on public theater, Saudi Arabia’s cinema sector has been booming and its growth continuous, made possible through key collaborations with local and international industry-related companies. Just last week, the Kingdom announced that Mexico’s Cinépolis is set to open 200 brand-new cinemas by 2030, enriching the entertainment offerings the country has to offer, while also creating many new job opportunities.
