Vox Cinemas has pledged $500 million to build 600 screens in Saudi Arabia.
Over the next four years, Vox wants to add an average of 150 screens per year in the country through 2023, to reach a total of 600 screens.
Vox says that it will set aside $500 million in a major investment to increase its number of screens in Saudi Arabia. Vox is fully owned by UAE-based conglomerate Majid al Futtaim.
Mohamed Al-Hashemi, VOX’s country manager for Saudi Arabia, told Arab News: “The cinema industry in Saudi has seen a good start, and the market reaction has been excellent.
“We are also very pleased at the support we have received from the government so far, in everything from operating, to licensing and expansion.”
He continued: “The concept of entertainment-plus-cinema is one we are trying to introduce to the market, and we have been pleased with the results so far. Audiences need a quality entertainment experience, and we can offer that.”
Cinemas with family entertainment
Vox will primarily build family-oriented cinemas, featuring recreational facilities like bowling alleys and food and beverage outlets.
The company recently opened a 15-screen theatre in in Al-Qasr Mall, Riyadh. Al-Qasr includes a KIDS Theater, where children and parents can watch films in friendly, colorful surroundings. There’s also an IMAX screen, as well as a Nutella bar and an 8-lane bowling alley.
Vox plans to put 16 more screens in Riyadh by the end of the month, and aims to have 110 screens across the country by the end of 2019.
Last year, AMC Entertainment opened the first commercial cinema to operate in Saudi Arabia in 35 years.
Elsewhere, Reel Cinemas is redefining the cinema experience for luxury-seeking movie-goers at Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall.
Image: Vox Cinemas
https://www.arabianbusiness.com/media/414870-vox-cinemas-pledges-500m-to-build-movie-theatres-in-saudi-arabia
