Gulf Film LLC is the foremost authority in cinema entertainment for the Middle East and credited with reviving the fortunes of the industry through its chain of Grand Cinemas in the U.A.E & Gulf Region. The Opening of Grand Megaplex 21 Screens currently tallies Grand Cinemas with 108 screens. After the completion of projects in Jordan and Lebanon, the Grand Cinema circuit will embrace 132 screens by 2006, making it the single largest cinema circuit in the Middle East.
The newest and by far the largest addition to the Grand Cinema chain is the Grand Megaplex 21 Screens including IMAX at Ibn Battuta Mall. The Grand Megaplex incorporates 21 screens including an IMAX theatre (opening June 2005), all built to the highest international standards with cutting edge entertainment technology, including automated cinemas, wall-to-wall screens, stadium seats with extra leg room, full digital sound and an ultra stylish lobby. Grand Megaplex 21 Screens will seat over 3,000 people, and over 350 in the IMAX theatre when it opens in June.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel, said: “Grand Megaplex 21 Screens with IMAX provides a stunning centrepiece to Ibn Battuta’s already world-class blend of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Since the launch in April, the success of Ibn Battuta Mall, has exceeded all expectations; the addition of this fabulous state-of-the art cinema can only draw in more visitors from all over the region and enhance our reputation as a major landmark even further.”
A spokesperson from Gulf Film LLC said: “Grand Megaplex 21 Screens crowns our 30-year record in upgrading the standards of movie entertainment in the Gulf Region and will enhance the cinema experience for all movie goers. Grand Megaplex 21 Screens including IMAX is our most ambitious project to date and we are geared to make it one of the most outstanding cinema experiences in the Middle East. Our partnership with Nakheel is driven by our commitment to the highest standards, matching the vision of Nakheel as the developers of Ibn Battuta Mall. With several new developments due to open in the area surrounding Ibn Battuta Mall, the number of residents living in the area will increase over the coming years, and we expect the demand for cinema entertainment to grow even further.”
Gulf Film’s choice of Ibn Battuta Mall was prompted by its strategic location and its proximity to key residential and retail projects, including The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Marina, The Gardens and other surrounding developments. By the end of 2004, the population within a 5-minute driving vicinity from Ibn Battuta Mall was to the order of 150,000 and is expected to reach in the region of 275,000 by 2008. More significantly, by 2008, over 880,000 people will be living within a 15-minutes drive from the mall. Additionally, some 600,000 tourists per annum, who stay in hotels within a 15-minute radius, will visit the Mall as an ideal recreational complex.
