Al Barakah International Investment, the UAE-based developer, has announced plans to open the world’s first Cinemacity ‘CityMAX’ theatre at the Al Qana waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi next year.

In a statement, the Emirati developer said that the new entertainment hub will feature 15 screens equipped with dual RGB laser projectors and Dolby Atmos surround sound, providing viewers with a ‘unique and powerful experience’.

It added that the bespoke design of the CityMAX theatre, within Cinemacity Al Qana, will bring in the best picture and sound quality in the industry. It will also feature the largest customised PLF (Premium Large Format) screen in Abu Dhabi, with the highest quality picture and sound technology in the world.

One of the key highlights of the attraction will be the high-end VIP cinema level, which will offer exclusive offerings to cinemagoers in the emirate, while a Presidential Cinema will provide world-class sophistication design and audio-visual offerings, the developer said.

Al Barakah International Investment CEO Fouad Mashal said: “There’s a strong cinema culture in the UAE that has been an integral part of our community life for decades. It’s a ritual we want to keep and further develop with the introduction of Cinemacity Al Qana.”

Mashal was speaking after signing the agreement with Hammad Atassi, CEO of operator Xclusive Cinemas (Holding) and GM of Cinemacity Al Qana and Stuart Gissing, general manager of Al Qana.

“It will be an impressive stand-alone experience that contributes to the exceptional, world-class destination we are introducing to the heart of Abu Dhabi in Q4 2020,” stated Mashal.

“Our cinema also aims to support the UAE Vision 2020, by regularly promoting heritage and cultural films, as it strives to forge the UAE government’s pledge to preserve a cohesive society that is proud of the Emirati identity,” he added.

Atassi said: “The evolution of entertainment has given people the ability to watch movies in the palm of their hand, but nothing compares to the feeling of watching a movie in a cinema theatre on the big screen – the way it was meant to be seen.”

“Along with our variety of world-class viewing experiences, we’re excited to unveil our first custom-designed Premium Large Format (PLF) theatre, CityMAX, in the prime location of Al Qana,” he added.

In addition, there will be three high-end VIP cinemas with dedicated private lounges, for exclusive screenings and premieres, all with full recliners and in-seat dining service.

“Cinemacity Al Qana will unveil a new concept with the exclusive ‘Presidential Theatre’, a luxurious lounge with high-end laser projection, Dolby Atmos, and its own butler service. A bespoke menu of gourmet foods along with mouth-watering classics has also been designed to match the requirements and needs of the ‘Presidential Theatre,’ and VVIP Cinema guests,” stated Atassi.

The Presidential cinema will have the capacity to seat 386 people in a number of classes, including a seating section with full leather recliners and a Club class which will feature a butler service to seats. The entire megaplex, which will feature the latest 26m wide screens, will seat more than 2,000 people simultaneously across all theatres.

Children will also be catered for with a dedicated Kids Cinema specifically styled and designed with colourful and comfortable seating. This cinema will screen family-friendly films and will feature a private space for birthdays and events for additional entertainment, Atassi said.

Given Al Qana’s commitment to providing year-round entertainment, there will also be an outdoor cinematic amphitheatre playing host to events and entertainment over the winter months.