Dubai has eased restrictions and the city is slowly bouncing back to normal. Gyms, parks, swimming pools and restaurants are now open, giving residents a sigh of relief. And what’s even better is that cinema theaters in the city have reopened, providing a much needed respite.
So, this weekend, skip malls and beaches, and watch a film! Here are four cinemas that are now open in Dubai.
1. 3D & 4D Cinemas
3D and 4D movie experiences in Dubai are now open to the public. Similar to other regular cinemas which opened in May, these too will have strict social distancing and hygiene rules in place. As for 3D and 4D experiences, safety measures include using disposable 3D glasses, as well as the reduction of effects used in 4D cinemas like smoke and water sprays.
3D and 4D experiences are now open in VOX Cinemas (MOE), Reel Cinemas (The Dubai Mall) and Novo Cinemas (Dubai Festival City).
2. Novo Cinemas
Novo cinemas has reopened for movie buffs with strict social distancing rules in place. Branches in Dubai Festival City Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2 and IMG Worlds of Adventure are now open. However, the cinema halls allow only 30% occupancy, with safe seating arrangement. Regular guidelines across the city like mandatory facemask and gloves, and temperature checks upon entry are applicable.
We have missed you so much and excited to have you back! In compliance with government regulations, we have taken all necessary precautions to safely reopen and welcome you back. Your safety has always been our priority. We have put in great efforts to ensure you are safe! pic.twitter.com/sRcxrMDcCp
— Novo Cinemas (@NovoCinemas) June 4, 2020
Besides, kids under 12 and adults over 60 years will not be permitted in the theater.Here’s a list of films currently playing at Novo cinemas:
1.Bloodshot
2. 21 Bridges
3. JoJo Rabbit
4. Siberia
5. Fast & Furious – Hobbs & Shaw
6. Joker
7. The Upside
8. The Addams Family
9. Aquaman – 2D
10. Bad Boys for Life
11. Wonder Women – 2017 – 2D
12. The Hustle
13. I feel Pretty
14. Miracle in cell no 7 – Turkish
15. Mile 22
16. Baaghi 3
17. A Quiet Place
18. The Gentlemen
19. Knives Out
20. Jurassic World
21. War
22. The Call of The Wild
23. The Invisible Man
Meanwhile, in case you’re planning to head back to the gym, here’s what Dubai Gyms look like post lockdown.
3. Cinema Akil
Cinema Akil in Al Quoz will open doors to cinebuffs from 12 June after closing down on 14 March. The cinema has reduced its capacity city to 30% as well as rearranged seats as per the new rules. Visitors and staff must wear facemask at all times and maintain a 2-meter distance. In addition, customers will also have their temperatures checked before entering the hall. Disinfection procedures are also carried out everyday. Besides, the cinema hall currently encourages only online bookings in order to reduce contact.
Screenings will also be limited to one film per night, from Tuesday to Saturday. Box office hours will operate from 6pm to 9pm and will remain closed on Sunday and Monday. The restaurant Project Chaiwala will be open on the same days from 1pm to 9pm.The first film to be screened will be Michael Winterbottom’s ‘A Trip to Greece’.
4. Reel Cinemas
Reel cinemas recently launched a drive-in experience in the city. The drive-in cinema opened on 30 May. 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.
Tickets are now available at the Reel Cinemas website.
5. Vox Cinemas
Vox Cinemas also opened a drive-in experience in Dubai on 17 May. The new drive-in experience is docked in Mall Of Emirates, on the third level, right next to Ski Dubai.
من #دبي، تجربة ترفيهية جديدة تطلقها "ڤوكس سينما" التابعة لـ "ماجد الفطيم" من خلال "سينما السيارات" في مول الإمارات، وستتوفر الخدمة ابتداءً من الأحد 17 مايو، ويعود ريع العرض الأول لصالح حملة 10 ملايين وجبة. pic.twitter.com/0c94SvFFMt
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 13, 2020
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.
Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing to reopen houses of worship in Dubai .