Dubai Mall cineplex begins operations, to expand by year-end

Reel Cinemas, the new megaplex at The Dubai Mall, has opened nearly half of its planned 22 screens.

Ten screens started operations on Friday with a further 12 coming on line later in 2009, bringing the total seating capacity up to 2,800.

Developed by Reel Entertainment LLC, the joint venture of Emaar Retail and Singapore-based premier entertainment provider Cathay Organisation Holdings Ltd, Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall, once completed, will house more screens than any other cineplex in the UAE.
Arif Amiri, CEO, Emaar Retail said: ?We are truly excited to have opened the first Reel Cinemas megaplex in the UAE; it is a superb addition to our leisure and entertainment portfolio here at The Dubai Mall.?

He added: ?We have launched with ten of our commercial halls in place, and additional features such as the amazing Platinum Movie Suites will come later this year.?

The megaplex will add four Platinum Movie Suites, The Picturehouse and seven more commercial halls to its setup.

The Platinum Movie Suites offer the ultimate in cinema luxury. VIP service begins in one of two private lounges complete with marble-clad service counters, signature designer furniture and ambience lighting, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed drink or bite before the movie.

The first dedicated arthouse cinema hall in Dubai, The Picturehouse, will create a new wave in local cinema by screening critically-acclaimed films and films from the Arab world for the discerning movie lover.