Unique cinemas in Dubai you must try now!
Watching a movie on the big screen, with the smell of popcorn permeating the air and the booming sound effects immersing you in the adventures of the onscreen characters, is an experience unlike any other. If you are a film buff who loves to go to the cinemas, there are a few unique movie theatre experiences in Dubai you are sure to enjoy.
Let’s look at these unique cinemas in Dubai where you can get a different movie-going experience.
UNIQUE CINEMAS IN DUBAI
GREENROOM – DIVE-IN CINEMA
While it might be too hot for your usual outdoor movie nights, you can now make a splash at one of the best outdoor movie options in the city: a new dive-in theatre. Every Friday, The Greenroom (formerly The Pangolin) in Sports City hosts a brand-new family-friendly cinema night that allows you to stay cool by the pool while enjoying a classic family movie, delectable set food, and more.
There’s a choice of in-pool or poolside seating, so you can drift around on a floatie while you watch, or recline on a plush lounger or beanbag by the waters edge. With the entry ticket, you’ll also get unlimited popcorn and a three-course menu of bites along with three drinks.
- Ticket: AED 150 adults | AED 80 kids below 21
- Timings: Every Friday from 07:45 pm
- Location: The Country Club, the Els Club
- Contact: +971-4-423-8310
Dine-in Cinema by Reel Cinemas
Planning to go to watch a movie? Would you like to swap your regular popcorn with a juicy Angus beef burger and fancy crispy fries? The Dine-in Cinema allows you to see the newest blockbusters with a twist, making it a special cinematic experience you don’t want to miss. Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Reel Cinemas have collaborated on this newest dining and entertainment idea. Other delicious options that go well with any movie include huge gourmet nachos, fiery wings, and double chocolate cake.
The concept of dine-in cinemas in Dubai appears to be gaining popularity, as seen with the newly launched upscale Guy Fieri movie theatre experience. The American celebrity chef’s eclectic menu featuring lobster rolls, Insta-worthy burgers and loaded nachos paired with an entertaining flick seems like the perfect start to a weekend.
- Ticket: AED 55 (Ticket only)
- Location: The Dubai Mall | Jebel Ali Recreation Club | The Pointe
- Contact: 800-38224-6255
Platinum Plus at Roxy Cinema
Platinum Plus at Roxy Cinema’s BoxPark location will transport you back to the golden age with its retro setting. We’re talking scarlet armchairs and dim lighting – it almost feels more like a speakeasy with a massive screen for football rather than a cinema.
- Ticket: From AED 140
- Location: Roxy Cinema, BoxPark, Al Wasl Road
- Contact: +971-4-343-2266
IMAX THEATRE – NOVO CINEMAS
The large IMAX theatre at IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai offers an ideal setting for corporate gatherings. The package includes a new 4K laser projection system, a 24.4 by 13.8-metre screen, 12-channel surround sound, immersive audio and 360 guest chairs.
The “seven-star” experience includes dinner from the fine-dining menu, VIP lounge admission, personal butler service, and fully reclined seating.
- Location: IMG Worlds of Adventure, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-4-343-2266
Cinema Akil
Catch an independent film while relaxing among the mismatched cushions on the vintage theatre chairs. In a repurposed shipping container on Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, there is an independent movie theatre called Cinema Akil. It took entrepreneur Butheina Kazim and her crew four years of hard effort to build up the permanent home after it initially debuted as a pop-up throughout the region in 2014.
The theatre now has 133 seats and screens dozens of distinctive and independent movies each week. Consider regional creations and specialty television shows, like Studio Ghibli Week.
- Ticket: From AED 52.5
- Location: Warehouse68, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
- Contact: +971-4-223-1139
Roxy Cinemas at La Mer
A fancy boutique theatre on the sand? That’s a phrase you don’t hear very frequently, to be honest. Watch the newest movies at this classy, incredibly comfy theatre located in the lovely La Mer neighbourhood of Dubai Jumeirah. Not only would watching a Diamond Plus movie here be a dream for moviegoers, but it will also be a dream for Instagram users. At the very least do it for Instagram if not for the movie.
- Ticket: From AED 85
- Location: Roxy Cinemas La Mer, Dubai Jumeirah
VOX Private Cinema, Kempinski Mall of Emirates
The private cinema at Kempinski Hotel in Mall of Emirates is as exclusive as exclusive gets. The 15-seater theatre offers an ultimately intimate setting for a private screening of the latest blockbuster movies. You can treat your friends and family to a luxurious movie night, with unlimited popcorn and soft beverages included in the price.
- Ticket: From AED 3,000 for nine-12 persons (including unlimited popcorn and soft drinks)
- Location: Kempinski Mall of Emirates
- Contact: +971-55-167-3908
Outdoor at the Aloft City Centre Deira
Taking in a movie while lounging on beanbags outside? The movie-themed hotel Aloft City Centre Deira’s OUTDOOR by VOX Cinemas provides moviegoers a spot to view their favourite movies outside while indulging in a cinema snack feast; the location is even licenced. Its a pleasant way to spend the evening. Oh, and it has air conditioning when the heat gets too hot and a retractable roof for cold evenings — making it perfect for all seasons and one of the best moviegoing experiences in Dubai.
- Ticket: From AED 65
- Location: Aloft City Centre Deira
- Contact: +971-4-210-3335
VOX Cinemas at Ski Dubai
Seeing a movie while skiing? Abu Dhabi? why not One of the coolest and most enjoyable cinema experiences in town is offered by Ski Dubai. Tickets include admission, your choice of popcorn and a hot chocolate from Mirzam Chocolate Makers. There won’t be any complaints of chilly toes because you will also be given gloves, socks, boots, a beanie hat, and a blanket to keep you warm throughout.
- Ticket: From AED 100 per person
- Location: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha
Screen X with a 270-degree screen at Dubai Mall
Rounding off our list of unique movie theatres in Dubai is the latest screening experience at Reel Cinemas in The Dubai Mall. Featuring a 270-degree screen, Screen X is a multi-projection screen and one of the most immersive movie-viewing experiences there is.
If the IMAX doesn’t seem good enough, chances are you will love this technology that expands the image on the screen onto three of the walls covering the audience’s entire viewing angle. This unique panoramic cinema in Dubai is perfect for watching movies featuring stunning visuals and high-octane action entertainment.
- Ticket: From AED 168
- Location: The Dubai Mall, Downtown
- Contact: +971-4-449-1988
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE BEST CINEMAS IN ABU DHABI?
Star Khalifa City Cinema, Cine Royal Cinema and VOX Cinema are some of the best cinemas in Abu Dhabi.
WHAT ARE THE POPULAR VIDEO STREAMING SERVICES IN THE UAE?
We all have our preferred platforms, whether we are binge-watchers or those who like to watch movies and TV series while we are eating. There are numerous well-known streaming services in the UAE, ranging from Netflix to OSN.
These unique cinemas in Dubai are certainly bringing in a new flavour to the movie-going experience. However, when the weather gets better, you could also explore some of the old-school outdoor movie theatres in Dubai and watch as the stars fall in love, fight mega monsters or triumph over evil under the blanket of midnight blue skies.