Judging by how packed out the cinemas are on any night of the week, Abu Dhabi is definitely a city of film fanatics.
Whether it’s a Friday evening out with friends, a midweek date night or simply a little bit of quality ‘me time’ watching one of the latest releases, a trip to the cinema is always a good idea.
But this is the capital, so of course our cinemas have to be far from ordinary. Here your movie-viewing experience can be enhanced by a three-course meal from
a legendary British chef, 5D effects (including getting soaked up to your knees), live performers and more.
So here’s a rundown of the city’s most brilliant cinemas.
THE ALTENRATIVE ONES
Cinema Space
Bored of flashy Hollywood blockbusters? Well you’ll adore Cinema Space. The place is a dream for all film buffs, with free screenings of restored classics and arty cinematic masterpieces on every week. It won’t cost you a thing either (if you don’t count the obligatory snacks), as the whole programme is gratis.
Free. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, www.cinemaspace-abudhabi.splashthat.com.
Cinema Akil
Last year, independent movie house Cinema Akil found a permanent home in Dubai, but that hasn’t stopped the regular pop-ups at Warehouse421. The arthouse cinema brings cult films to Abu Dhabi like no-one else.
Various dates and times. Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, www.cinemaakil.com (058 524 6362).
THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
VOX Cinemas
Impressed by 3D films? Well that’s nothing compared to the immersive experience of 4DX cinema. Visit one of the Vox Cinemas branches at Yas Mall or Marina Mall and you can see a film complete with moving seats, light, wind and water effects and even smells designed to enhance the story you’re watching.
Prices vary. Various locations including Yas Mall, Yas Island, uae.voxcinemas.com (600 599 905).
THE VIP FOODIE SHOWINGS
GOLD by Rhodes
Chef Gary Rhodes offers so many exclusive treats in this unique experience. If you want to do it properly you can go all out and buy the GOLD by Rhodes package for you and your lucky plus one. You’ll each get a cinema ticket, starter, main, dessert, hot and cold beverages and a blanket to snuggle under for Dhs265. Film-going with a difference.
Dhs265 (GOLD packages for two). Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, uae.voxcinemas.com (800 6623).
THEATRE by Rhodes
If you think cinema food involves nothing but over-priced popcorn and soggy nachos, well you need to think again. THEATRE by Rhodes at Vox Cinemas lets you experience a full meal from the British chef before, during or after your film, and it’s a bit fancy to say the least. The posh dishes include starters such as edamame beans and peppered beef fillet sticks, and mains like foie gras burgers and spicy lamb and date fritters. There’s even an afternoon tea option and a particularly mind-blowing caramel popcorn milkshake.
Prices vary. Various locations including Nation Towers, West Corniche, uae.voxcinemas.com (60 059 9905).
THE HUGE SCREEN
VOX Cinemas – MAX
The MAX screen at the Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall is on another level of huge. Here you can watch the latest blockbusters projected onto an area that spans more than 20 metres, and the almost overwhelmingly cool experience is completed by using the latest surround-sound technology.
Prices vary. Various locations including Yas Mall, Yas Island, uae.voxcinemas.com (600599 905).
FOR MINI MOVIE FANS
VOX Cinemas – KIDS
Some people might argue that a quiet cinema is no place to bring kids, but that’s far from true in Abu Dhabi. Vox Cinemas offers theatres that are specifically designed to let little film fans and their families feel totally at home. Filled with brightly coloured seats and next to adjoining party rooms, these amazing screens make a trip to the movies way more fun.
Prices vary. Various locations including Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Zahiyah, uae.voxcinemas.com (02 645 4858).
OUTDOOR THRILLS
Yas Movies in the Park
We’re so lucky to live in a place that treats us to year-round sunshine, and one of the best ways of making the most of our blissful lifestyle is by experiencing the sheer joy of watching a film outdoors. But Yas Movies in the Park doesn’t only offer free screenings of family-friendly films and huge Hollywood classics. There are also loads of food trucks to browse, a fun festival vibe and some of the movies even come with live singing and dancing performers. April’s schedule features Happy Feet, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and many more.
Free. Apr 18-20. du Arena, Yas Island www.yasmovies.ae.
BEST FOR BOLLYWOOD
Star Cinemas
If you’re looking to escape reality and enter the colourful and exciting world of Bollywood, you simply need to head over to your nearest branch of Star Cinemas. The schedule includes feel-good films and tense dramas from across India and the rest of the world.
From Dhs45. Various locations, including Central Mall, Khalifa City A, www.starcinemas.ae (02 627 5999).
Oscar Cinema
It might not be as flashy or technologically advanced as some of the larger and more out-there cinemas in the capital, but a trip out to Oscar Cinema will definitely help you on your mission to spend less money. Tickets start from Dhs40 and you’ll find all the latest Hollywood releases, Arabic films and Bollywood hits in the packed schedule. There are branches in Al Raha Mall and Al Wahda Mall, plus three more in Al Ain.
From Dhs40. Various locations including Al Raha Mall, Channel Street, www.oscarcinema.ae.
MAKE A SPLASH
Only somewhere as flashy as Abu Dhabi would offer a 5D cinema experience. So next time you’re cooling off at Yas Waterworld, make sure you take a breather from the rides and check out Cinesplash. As the Middle East’s first water cinema, it lets you follow the charming story of The Legend of the Lost Pearl while moving seats, waterfalls and water explosions add to the drama. Don’t be alarmed when the entire cinema is flooded up to your knees, it’s all part of the fun and not down to plumbing issues.
From Dhs250 (general admission). Yas Waterworld, Yas Island (600 511 115).
