Dar Al Arkan signs deal with Majid Al-Futtaim for VOX Cinemas multiplex at Al-Qasr Mall in Riyadh

Real estate developer Dar Al Arkan has announced that it has signed an agreement in Riyadh with Majid Al-Futtaim to open a VOX Cinemas multiplex in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied: Dar Al Arkan)

• VOX will operate the new 15-screen multiplex, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019
• VOX Cinemas is the largest cinema operator in the MENA region and the leading regional cinema operator in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Real estate developer Dar Al Arkan has announced that it has signed an agreement in Riyadh with Majid Al-Futtaim to open a VOX Cinemas multiplex in Saudi Arabia.
VOX will operate the new 15-screen multiplex, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019, at Dar Al Arkan’s Al-Qasr Mall in the Saudi Arabian capital. The project will also include outlets, restaurants and an indoor bowling alley.
Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Shelash, Dar Al Arkan chairman, said: “Majid Al-Futtaim is a perfect partner that will help us create a unique experience at Al-Qasr Mall for Riyadh residents and visitors.
“Al-Qasr Mall is an ideal site for this new feature in family entertainment and is expected to become a celebrated addition to our existing and diverse selection of outlets that offer something for everyone.”
He added: “These are exciting times for Saudi Arabia and we are delighted to be playing a small but significant part toward achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to build an entire ecosystem for arts, tourism and entertainment.”
Kelvin Kwok Han Sim, CEO of Dar Al Arkan said: “The new cinema complex will feature the next generation technology fit for the current sophisticated and tech-savvy Saudi movie-buffs. This is a significant contribution and a novel addition to the evolving Saudi-cinema-culture.”
Cinemas had been banned in the country since the early 1980s but were reopened earlier this year as part of reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In April, Marvel’s “Black Panther” made history as the first new release in the Kingdom for 35 years.
While regional and international cinema chains are eyeing the Saudi market — keen to tap into the spending power of the country’s young population — VOX Cinemas is the largest cinema operator in the MENA region and the leading regional cinema operator in the Kingdom.