Saudi Arabia gets its first four-screen multiplex

The opening comes two weeks after the first public cinema screening in Saudi Arabia for 35 years.

Vox Cinemas on April 30 opened the first four-screen multiplex in Saudi Arabia at the company's new entertainment complex in Riyadh Park, two weeks after the first public cinema screening in Saudi Arabia for 35 years.
Vox Cinemas plans to launch 600 screens across Saudi Arabia, with the potential to create 3,000 jobs.
The launch of Vox Cinemas was held in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Information, Dr Awwad Alawwad and Majid Al Futtaim Chief Executive Officer Alain Bejjani. 
"Tonight's cinema opening represents another historic moment in the transformation of the Saudi economy under the Vision 2030 plan spearheaded by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman," said His Excellency Dr Awwad Alawwad.
"Vision 2030 aims to improve the quality of life for Saudi citizens. It is great to have the second cinema open in the Kingdom within a span of less than two weeks. This is just one example that shows the fast pace of development in the Kingdom," added Dr Alawwad.
"Majid Al Futtaim and VOX Cinemas thank the Saudi Government and His Excellency the Minister of Culture and information, Dr Awwad Alawwad for the opportunity to bring the very first Multiplex to Saudi Arabia here at Riyadh Park. We promise to deliver competitive pricing and the full range of unique VOX Cinemas' viewing experiences as we roll out 600 screens in the coming five years as part of an SAR2 billion investment in the Kingdom and the spirit of Vision 2030," said Alain Bejjani, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding.
"The Riyadh Park Multiplex is the first of hundreds of VOX Cinemas screens planned for the whole Kingdom bringing more than 3,000 direct employment opportunities," added Mr Bejjani.
The exclusive opening event on Monday was also attended by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Redha Al Haidar, Acting President of the General Commission of Audiovisual Media (GCAM); and Majid Al Futtaim's leadership team including: Alain Bejjani, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding; Ahmed Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Ventures; Cameron Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas; and Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Manager, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid Al Futtaim Ventures. 
Audience members were entertained with live music and special screenings of Avengers: Infinity War in IMAX and Ferdinand in the dedicated Kids cinema. 

• Saudi Arabia