Riyadh: Saudi hospitality firm, Abdulmohsin Al-Hokair Holding, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vue International to build the country’s first public cinemas after a 35-year cinema ban.
Under the exclusive deal, the UK-based firm will construct 30 world class multiplex cinemas in existing and new developments in the next three years, reported Al Mowaten.
The Saudi authorities last year lifted a ban on movie theaters, dating back to 1970s, as part of the string of reforms led by Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Abdulmohsin Al Hokair Holding Group manages three shopping centres, 79 entertainment centres and 45 hotels across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey and Egypt.
Tim Richards, founder and chief executive, Vue International, commented described the signing of the deal as “a huge moment in the history of global cinema development for the exhibition industry”.
The first cinema is expected to open its doors officially in Saudi Arabia at some point in 2018.