Al Hokair Group inks deal to open cinemas in 15 cities

Abdulmohsen Alhokair Group for Tourism and Development Co. (Al Hokair Group) has signed a joint venture agreement with Mexico's Cinepolis and UAE's Al Tayer Group to open cinemas in Saudi Arabia, the company said in a statement to Tadawul on Thursday.

The new venture will operate 300 screens in 15 cities, offering different concepts of cinema experiences that include luxury, junior, premium and 4DX.

The company has started the process of getting official permits and licenses from the concerned authorities, the statement said.

Cinepolis is the world’s fourth largest international cinema operator and the biggest in Latin America. It operates 652 movie theatres in 14 countries.

In February, Al Hokair Group signed a deal with UK’s Vue International to build up to 30 multiplexes in the Kingdom over the next three years.

The joint venture plans to open the first multiplex this year.

Last December, Saudi Arabia’s culture ministry lifted a 35-year ban on cinemas, allowing operators to start screening movies as of 2018.

The decision is part of radical social and economic reforms under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Kingdom plans to open up to 350 theatres and over 2500 screens by 2030, with the cinema industry expected to grow to around $1 billion in size over the coming years.