Cinematically speaking

DID YOU KNOW?

Cinemas were banned in Saudi Arabia from 1983 until mid 2018?

The ban coincided with an ultra conservative sentiment which applied to many areas of Saudi life during this time.

The reformation of the Saudi Arabian cinema after 35 years has manifested in modern facilities which are shiny and bright, complete with restaurants, arcades and candy bars with extensive menus which provide contact-free online ordering should you chose.

Ticket prices are on par with Australia and available online via cinema apps.

The theatres themselves have state of the art screens, sound systems, premium seating and patrons have a number of theatre options including Gold Class, IMAX and specifically designed Kid’s theatres with bright coloured furniture and adjoining party rooms.

On my first visit to the movies here, I was not quite sure what to expect. I was delighted to be seated in a cinema along with both men and women, all in their traditional dress, eating popcorn and giggling along to latest-release blockbuster movies Although there are women only; men only and families sessions available, most sessions are of mixed gender - reflecting the rapidly changing landscape in the country.