There are few things that have stood the test of time better than the top cinema experiences in Abu Dhabi.
From arguing about which movies in Abu Dhabi you want to see and buying yourself a box of popcorn (sweet, salty, the argument is never ending) to taking your seats at the allotted time (even though you know there is going to be at least 30 minutes of trailers), the routine for all of us has remained unchanged for many years.
But this is Abu Dhabi where everything is bigger and better, and where a sojourn to the pictures is packed full of razzle dazzle. If you’re headed to the movies in Abu Dhabi, you’ve got to head to one of these top spots.
Ready to watch a blockbuster in the capital? Here’s where to head. Lights, camera, action.
Indie movie theatres in Abu Dhabi
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Cinema Space at Manarat Al Saadiyat is a voluntary and independent initiative that shares beautifully restored classics and contemporary world cinema through free community screenings. The screenings are free, but RSVP is mandatory due to limited seating. You will also need to have green pass status on the Al Hosn app to enter.
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Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island cinemaspace-abudhabi.splashthat.com
The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Hoping for some incredible cinema experiences in Abu Dhabi? CinemaNa is a film programme curated by the NYUAD film and new media programme. Screenings are often followed by live Q&As with the filmmakers and faculty. In 2022, CinemaNa is showcasing Daughters of Abdul-Rahman by Zaid Abu Hamdan on Monday October 3 at 7.30pm. You can also see Huda’s Salon by Hany Abu-Assad on Monday November 7 at 7.30pm.
Click here to read the season 8 lineup at The Arts Center at NYUAD.
NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island nyuad-artscenter.org
Warehouse 421
If you’re after some fantastic cinema experiences in Abu Dhabi, Warehouse 421 is a top spot. It’s much more than just a place to see movies in Abu Dhabi; there are art galleries, exhibitions, events and workshops, too. During August, Warehouse421 in partnership with Cinema Akil in Dubai screens a variety of films from around the planet on its mega-screen that is installed on shipping container. The films aren’t always on, so be sure to check in advance before you head to the port.
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Mina Zayed, Al Mina (02 676 8803).
VIP cinema experiences in Abu Dhabi
Gold class at Al Mariah Cinema
More than 20 years old, Al Mariah Cinema in downtown Abu Dhabi is one of the oldest continuously operated cinemas in the UAE with a seating capacity of more than 2,000 over nine theatres. With recently upholstered seats and wonderfully colourful lobby area, the gold class ticket is exclusively for couples and ladies, and with seats grouped in pairs in the theatre it makes for one of the rather intimate cinema experiences in Abu Dhabi.
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From Dhs50. Al Najda Street (02 678 5000).
IMAX at VOX The Galleria Al Maryah Island
You’re not going to have any issues missing out on a seat at VOX Cinema at The Galleria Al Maryah, with some 21 screens from which to choose. However, you’re going to want to plump for the IMAX curved screen which gives you a wonderful immersive cinematic experience with a sound system that will help you place every sound no matter how low. Now that’s the ultimate way to watch a movie.
For the best movies to see in UAE cinemas right now, click here.
From Dhs50. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, uae.voxcinemas.com (600 599905).
Pearl Suite Screen at Al Wahda Mall
Any screen named the Pearl Suite comes with a certain expectation that it’s going to be rather luxe. At the Al Wahda Mall, cinephiles will not be let down with a top-notch VIP cinematic experience. Maximum privacy, recliner bush-back seats with a button call board system for instant butler service as well as gourmet meals mean that this is no ordinary outing to the pictures. Also, the screens are 4K, which serves up picture quality that is A1.
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From Dhs115. Hazza Bin Zayed Street, oscarcinema.ae (02 443 3244).
Theatre at VOX, Yas Mall
When it comes to cinema experiences in Abu Dhabi, Theatre at VOX is pretty spectacular. Head to Yas Mall to tuck into a four-course menu including the likes of Thai beef salad, crispy prawns, nachos and hotdogs, crispy truffle chicken and roasted cod for the mains, and chocolate orange cheesecake and chocolate fondant for dessert. It’s full-on fancy. Oh yeah, you also get to watch a movie in a comfy reclining chair with silky blankets and pillows. Just don’t slurp your food too loudly, no one wants extra sound effects.
Click here to learn about an interactive experience at VOX.
Yas Mall, Yas Island, uae.voxcinemas.com (600 599905).
