Cinema and streaming: How UAE audiences are spending their summer screen time

As temperatures soar in the UAE, so does the heat at the box office. From F1 to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, this summer’s cinema calendar is stacked—and UAE audiences are more than ready to queue. The air-conditioned theatres aren't just places to escape the heat—they’re where nostalgia, adrenaline, and fandom collide.

Whether it’s comic book titans reuniting or dinosaurs stomping back into the spotlight, The entertainment industry has cracked the code of what keeps cinema-goers coming back: familiar faces, extended universes, and stories we can’t seem to get enough of.

Sequels, spin-offs, and the return of fan-favourites

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This summer's big-screen lineup reads like a pop culture time capsule. There's 28 Years Later, which released on June 19 in the UAE.

Zombies return in 28 Years Later, a continuation of the dystopian horror universe Danny Boyle helped define and the word is, it turned out to be a massive hit among UAE residents. Several cinema enthusiasts named the film as their top watch so far this year. Len Prasad, a local filmmaker, said, "The film has a very different style of filmmaking. Very realistic."

Then there's F1 (June 26), M3GAN 2.0 (June 26), Maa (June 27), Jurassic World: Rebirth (July 3), Superman (July 10), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 24).

The trend is unmistakable: Hollywood is doubling down on known IPs—and UAE fans aren’t complaining.

M3GAN 2.0 upgrades the viral killer doll into a tech-horror franchise. Jurassic World: Rebirth rekindles a childhood obsession with dinosaurs, while The Fantastic Four officially brings Marvel’s “First Family” into the MCU, marking a new chapter in comic-book cinema.

In many ways, it’s a summer that feels comfortingly familiar. That familiarity, though, isn't lazy—it's strategic. It's how studios court fans across generations while setting up the next billion-dollar saga.

UAE fans bring the hype

Marc Gabriel, a UAE-based content creator and longtime Marvel devotee, is counting down to The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

“There’s no greater thrill than finally seeing a comic-accurate take on Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm,” he said. “Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are perfectly cast. And Galactus… in live action? Every comic-book fan’s dream.”

Gabriel is also buzzing about October’s Tron: Ares.

“The Tron franchise has always been ahead of its time, to me. From the glowing suits, to the slick light cycles, the disc combats, and the neon-lit environments of the grid, I've grown up being the biggest fan of this franchise (both games and movies)," he said. "With the recently released teaser of Tron: Ares, they've managed to completely surprise me yet again, getting the Grid for the very first time into the real world. It basically flips the entire concept and opens the door to a much larger conflict. I'm intrigued to see what Jared Leto's character Ares brings to the table. Also, it feels more grounded, darker and intense. Can't wait to plug back in”

Bibi Zumot, another local film enthusiast, has his eyes on F1—and not just for the action.

“It was filmed here in the UAE, and my partner was part of the crew. Plus, I love racing cars!” he said. “And I’ll always have a soft spot for Jurassic World. I secretly wish dinosaurs could coexist with us. How cool would that be?”

For Ahil Fakih, founder of the popular UAE review page ItzyReviews, it’s a double dose of comic-book greatness.

“This summer, I’m super excited for the release of Marvel’s Fantastic Four and DC’s Superman. As someone who has grown up with these characters, it feels like a big deal to finally see Marvel bring its first family into the MCU and do justice to the characters," he said. "On the DC side, James Gunn’s Superman marks the start of a whole new universe, and with Gunn’s proven track record of delivering great stories, it’s an exciting fresh chapter for fans to look forward to. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable summer at the movies and these two films could define where superhero movies go next."

Are we tired of franchises yet?

Franchise fatigue is real—if you're not the target audience. But for UAE audiences, the continued reboot-revival-remix approach is more a comfort blanket than creative bankruptcy.

Blockbusters offer communal joy. They’re reliable. They come with memes, merch, and massive trailers that go viral overnight. In a region as culturally diverse and digitally connected as the UAE, that shared experience matters.

And while critics might yearn for more originality, fans know exactly what they’re paying for—and that predictability is part of the thrill. As long as studios continue to raise the stakes (hello, Galactus), the appetite will remain insatiable.

Meanwhile, back on the couch…

Of course, not everything is about popcorn and recliner seats. Streaming continues to lure audiences who prefer bingeing from bed.

Netflix’s Squid Game Season 3, the final season, is one of the biggest OTT releases on the horizon, while shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty, Buccaneers, and Ginny & Georgia remain top favourites with UAE viewers.

Dubai resident Tooba says she’s counting the days till Materialists drops internationally. “It’s already out in the US, but I’m holding off till August just to watch it in the cinemas.”

Another resident, Ariyan, is going the comfort route: “I’m rewatching Breaking Bad for the third time.”

Clearly, whether you’re team cinema or team couch, there’s no shortage of drama.

So, what’s next?

After the summer’s fireworks, the second half of 2025 promises even more spectacle.

YRF's spy-universe continues with War 2, bringing back Hrithik Roshan in full alpha mode. Meanwhile, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t spins the heist genre into its most magical form yet.

One thing's certain: the UAE's screens—big and small—will stay busy and buzzing.

Husain Rizvi

Husain Rizvi is a Senior Features Writer who covers entertainment and lifestyle stories and has a profound interest in tech (games) and sports. When he’s not working, you can find him at the gym, or finishing a boss fight in a video game.

husain@khaleejtimes.com