Despite the re-opening of cinemas in the UAE, it appears that a Grease-infused nostalgia for open air movie theatres is prompting a flurry of new drive-in experiences across the Emirates — from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi.
Photographed by Norbert Kniat | Styled by Natalie Trevis | For MOJEH Issue 37
Movie Nights at Aljada, Sharjah
Located at Madar at Aljada, Sharjah‘s recently-opened entertainment complex, ‘Movie Nights at Aljada’ is a free of charge drive-in cinema launching on July 1. Operating on a first come first served basis (with capacity for 150 cars), the concept will screen films daily throughout the summer with movies such as Grease, Frozen and The Avengers on the agenda. Park up, order from Aljada’s cool urban food district and tune into the big screen under the stars. Aljada.com
Reel Cinemas, The Dubai Mall Zabeel
With a glittering Burj Khalifa in the background, watch Charlie’s Angels, A Quiet Place, The Hustle and more from the comfort of your car. Launched at the end of May, Reel Cinemas’ outdoor screen is situated at The Dubai Mall’s Zabeel extension, where drivers will be directed to a space and told to tune into a set FM frequency. Tickets are inclusive of snacks and a prime viewing spot. Reelcinemas.ae
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Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates
While lockdown restrictions were in force, Vox Cinema became the first to launch a new, old-fashioned, drive-in experience in the UAE. Sat in the shadows of Ski Dubai, on level 3 of Mall of the Emirates, the open air screen is continuing into the summer with Bombshell, 1917 and 21 Bridges on this weekend’s viewing schedule. Tickets come with a side of popcorn, nachos, chocolate and a drink. Voxcinemas.com
Coming soon…
Yas Drive-In Cinema, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s first drive-in cinema is set to open on July 9 at the Yas Marina Circuit, in partnership with Reel Cinemas. The experience will run over weekends (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) and will kick-off with screenings of Mad Max: Fury Road, Joker and Crazy Rich Asians. Tickets are available from July 2 and capacity is limited to 65 cars. Yasmarinacircuit.com
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