Latin American cinema operator Cinépolis has announced plans to invest more than $300 million in Saudi Arabia. The company will launch six new movies complexes with 63 screens over the next two years.
The first complex will open in Lulu Mall, Dammam at the end of 2019, with four scheduled for 2020 and the sixth for 2021. They will be located at Al Hokair Time in Jazan, Obhour Mall in Jeddah, Cordoba Mall in Riyadh, Najran City Center and Al Massarh Mall.
The Saudi General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) issued the fourth exhibitor licence for cinema operation to Cinépolis International under the entity Luxury Entertainment, which has partnered with Al Hokair Group and its regional partner Al Tayer Group.
A spokesperson for Cinépolis Gulf said: “Cinépolis’ launch into the Saudi Arabia entertainment market is a key milestone in our expansion strategy over the next five years.
“We are proud to be contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 as it goes through this historic period of transformation and hope to provide movie-goers with unrivalled experiences as Saudi Arabia increases its culture and entertainment offering.”
Cinépolis Gulf reveals expansion strategy
Exciting times at #CinepolisGulf! We're delighted to announce that we will be opening 6 cinemas across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the next 2 years, with the first opening planned for the end of this year in Lulu Mall, Dammam. Stay tuned for more news!#SaudiArabia #Dammam pic.twitter.com/HZx49wKRZ3
— Cinepolis (@CinepolisGulf) June 20, 2019
Cinépolis will introduce concepts including luxury, premium, Macro XE, 4D Emotion and junior auditoriums, which will feature Jungle Gyms, slide and ball pits, and beanbag seating.
Luxury auditoriums will include 180 degree leather reclining seats with maître d’ call buttons, personal bag storage and adjustable tables. Macro XE theatres will have Dolby Atmos sound, creating a powerful audio experience.
The new cinemas will provide guests with an unrivalled level of F&B, technology and the latest movies from around the world.
Cinema developments in Saudi Arabia
Last year, AMC Entertainment opened the first commercial cinema to operate in Saudi Arabia in 35 years.
Vox Cinemas will spend $500 million on 600 screens in Saudi Arabia, primarily family-oriented cinemas with recreational facilities like bowling alleys and F&B.
Saudi Entertainment Ventures Company (SEVEN) is planning a second mega entertainment hub in Riyadh, which will include cinemas, restaurants and cafes, and sports and live shows.
SEVEN is also building 20 entertainment centres, including one 100,000 square metre entertainment complex in Riyadh.
Over the next 5 years, Cinépolis hopes to become a leading operator in Saudi Arabia.
Image: Cinépolis
