Manama, Bahrain, 19 September 2007: A state-of-the-art Cineplex is to open at the Bahrain City Centre. The BD 6 million 8,000 square meter, 20 screens and 4,200 capacity Cineco Cineplex , run and operated by the Bahrain Cinema Company, will stand apart in the region as the only cinema theatre offering the latest in European VIP standard seats, introducing to the movie goers the best-ever comfort and luxury experienced.

Announcing the development, the Cineco General Manager, Mr Ahmed Rashid, said in addition, the facility will have the usual Dolby Digital, SDDS and DTS sound systems, as well as wall-to-wall screens to give the viewer the ultimate experience.

"The BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE is an iconic project in Bahrain and we are happy to be part of another such development within it," said Mr Rashid.

"The Bahrain cinema fan is one with hugely discerning tastes and we have to look forward to cater to those tastes. The development is well under way and will open along with the BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE opening its doors next year."

The Cineplex screens will be equipped with the latest technology, in the process greatly enhancing screening and viewing pleasure. It will be the only Cineplex in the region that will also include a special exquisite cinema screen for VIP cinema-goers who wish to enjoy consummate service and in-cinema hospitality which will all be available in the three-level shopping and leisure destination Bahrain City Centre, which is sure to be a landmark development for Bahrain when it opens in the second half of next year, as it will have almost 330 retail units, spread out over a total Lease able area of 150,000-square-metres. A total of 317 units have been taken up since marketing efforts began two years ago, with tenants ranging from the world's most recognizable brands to popular local retailers, catering to all tastes and budgets.

Mr Rashid said what they are also looking at making the Cineplex markedly different from the other cinemas in Bahrain in terms of sheer variety of food and beverages that will be on offer. The Cineplex will have a reputable coffee shop franchise, candy stores and a variety of snacks and munches like crepe, Fresh fruit juices, cookies etc.

"Coupled with this, we shall strive to get the latest films to Bahrain's hugely diverse audiences." He said having catered to all sections of the society by providing them with the absolute best and trendy viewing, coupled with the comfort of customer support, they feel they have achieved the apex of retail business and would continue to maintain the same standards. He said the Cineplex will also feature the most luxurious amenities and the biggest lobbies that will be easily recognized as one of the 'biggest Cinema lobbies in the world'.

Bahrain Cinema Company is a regional leader in the movie and cinema business as it will add a new rank of movie watching in the kingdom of Bahrain. This Cineplex will also be a main destination in Bahrain City Centre which is already expected to change the face of shopping and leisure in the region," said Maher Al Shaer, Deputy Chairman of MAF Investments - Bahrain.

Bahrain Cinema Company owns and operates a total of 24 screens in Bahrain with 4 theaters in the Saar Cineplex , 16 in Seef Mall, 1 at Awal, 1 at Alhamra and 2 in the Al Jazeera cinema in Muharraq.

-Ends-

Bahrain City Centre:
The Kingdom's biggest multi use development set to open mid-2008; the three-level centre will occupy a total Built up area of 450,000 sq m and 150,000 sq meter Gross Lease-able area ,in the Seef area of Manama. The centre will include a 20-screen cinema - the largest of its kind in the region, the biggest indoor /outdoor water park in the region, along with a family entertainment centre, and the widest variety of restaurants and cafes.  The centre adjoins two four & five star hotels and a decked parking structure with 5,500 covered car spaces.

For more information, please contact
Yahya Al Mokhariq,
Promoseven Weber Shandwick PR,
Bahrain, on +973 17500777;
Mobile: +973 36688943;
Fax: +973 17918566
yahya.mukharriq@promoseven.com

© Press Release 2007