Abu Dhabi’s First Drive-In Cinema Opens At Yas Marina Circuit

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Abu Dhabi’s First Drive-In Cinema Opens At Yas Marina Circuit

After Dubai and Sharjah, Abu Dhabi is all set to get its first drive-in cinema. The new drive-in venue, in partnership with Reel Cinemas will screen films three days a week. Movie buffs can watch their favorite flick on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. The drive in opens today, 9 July with the screening of Mad Max: Fury Road. 

Meanwhile, Sharjah is set to open a FREE Drive-In Cinema On 1 July. 

A series of other films have been lined up for the week. Guests can watch Joker on Friday, July 10, and Crazy Rich Asians on Saturday, July 11, according to the Yas Marina Circuit website. The timings for these shows are yet to be announced.

As for the drive-in rules at Yas Marina, only two people are allowed per vehicle and the cinema space can hold 65 cars. Upon arrival, guests will be directed to a specific parking spot and are requested to remain in the vehicles at all times with the exception of using the restroom. Movie snacks can be ordered from inside the car. Guests must wear face masks if windows are lowered to speak to event staff or when leaving the car.

The price of the tickets are yet to be announced, but they will go on sale on Thursday, July 2. And in case you’re looking for other fun venues now open in Dubai, Ice Rinks, Museums, The Green Planet And Ski Dubai Are Now Open.

Drive-In Cinemas In The UAE

The concept of drive-in experience started off in the UAE after the coronavirus pandemic forced cinemas to shut. Reel cinemas launched a drive in experience in May at the Dubai Mall. Also check out these 5 Cinemas That Are Now Open In Dubai.

The new venue accommodates 70 cars and is situated in the roof-top parking area of The Dubai Mall. Ticket prices cost AED 170 per vehicle, with two passengers. The cost includes admission along with a host of goodies including popcorn, nachos, drinks, and water. Extra food can also be ordered while you’re watching you’re favourite flick. All social distancing rules must be practiced and kids under 12 and adults over 60 are not permitted.

Weeks before that, Vox Cinemas’ drive-in experience opened to the public on 17 May. The new drive-in experience is docked in the third level, right next to Ski Dubai.

The Vox Drive In debuted on 13 May at the Mall of the Emirates. The drive-through cinema had a mega launch with a media screening of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s Bad Boys For Life. All the necessary precautions were taken to ensure the safety of staff and guests and fans were able to experience movies on the big screen once again.

Movie lovers can enjoy watching movies from the safety and comfort of their car with screenings on the Mall rooftop. Visitors access the new theatre via Sheikh Zayed Road, when you take Exit 39 heading towards Abu Dhabi. However, going by the current restrictions, kids between 3-12 years and adults aged 60 will not be permitted to enter.

The ticket costs AED 180 per car (max two people) and also includes a big bag of goodies. The car park can accommodate about 75 cars and is already fully booked for the first week.

On another note, Yas Marina Circuit Is Now Open With Lots Of Fun Activities.