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· VOX Cinemas Middle East brand hailed as leader in entertainment innovation
· Over 60 million customers served by Majid Al Futtaim's cinema business in past 16 years
· Screen footprint more than doubled in 2016 with new launches across region
· 218% increase in box office admissions from 2010, 28% increase in 2016 alone
· 278% increase in revenue from 2010, 24% increase in 2016 alone
· 1.2 billion dirham (USD 326.7 million) investment expansion plans to see VOX Cinemas operate 600 screens across 50 locations by 2020
Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, owner of the VOX Cinemas brand in the Middle East, scooped up the Global Achievement in Exhibition award at the CinemaCon convention, the largest and most important gathering for the worldwide motion picture theatre industry, which took place in Las Vegas on March 27th.
Nominated alongside established players from across the world, VOX Cinemas spearheaded by CEO Cameron Mitchell was deemed a leading innovator in the entertainment industry. Highly coveted, the “Global Achievement in Exhibition” accolade plays true testament to VOX Cinemas’ dedication to delivering world-class cinema offerings to its customers.
Commenting on the company’s global award win, Cameron Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, said: “As a brand born out of the Middle East in the late nineties, it is a true honour to see our relentless determination being recognized on a global scale. The entertainment landscape is a highly competitive one and platforms such as CinemaCon truly demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the increasing demand for better, more engaging and more dynamic customer experiences. VOX Cinemas’ standards and passion mean that we never rest on our achievements, we will continue investing to drive our business and our innovative spirit forward around the world.”
Serving over 60 million movie-lovers in the past 16 years, Majid Al Futtaim’s cinema business currently holds the Middle East’s highest grossing cinema position and continues to differentiate itself through the development of unique cinema concepts. Enjoying above average market share in all markets which it operates in, some of VOX Cinemas’ top performing sites have already made waves globally including at Mall of the Emirates (Dubai, UAE) which skyrocketed to the number one IMAX box office spot three weekends in a row in 2016 topping sales across 1,102 IMAX theatres around the world.
Posting a 218% increase in box office admissions from 2010 including a 28% jump in 2016 followed by a 278% increase in revenue from 2010 including a 24% jump in 2016, the company continues to move from strength to strength since its first cinema launch in Ajman (UAE) in 1999. Growing its screen footprint by 36% last year alone, VOX Cinemas currently operates 29 cinema complexes totalling 284 screens across the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and Qatar.
Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Ventures, also commented: “We are extremely proud and honoured to see our Majid Al Futaim Cinemas business receive such outstanding recognition at CinemaCon this year. Despite being in the cinema business since 1999, we created the VOX Cinemas brand only six years ago, putting in place an ambitious strategy focused on innovation. Today, we have managed to help grow it into the most dynamic cinema brand in the region, able to compete with brands worldwide. We look forward to creating more revolutionary experiences for customers that challenge convention, drive the industry forward and creates great moments for cinema goers.”
Forging ahead as the Middle East’s largest and most rapidly growing cinema exhibitor, a current investment goal of 1.2 billion dirhams (USD 326.7 million) will see VOX Cinemas expand to operate 600 screens across 50 locations in the region and beyond by 2020.
From big screen cinemas, fully immersive experiences, fine dining luxury prepared by Michelin starred celebrity chefs, dedicated fun playrooms for children and stunning rooftop views, the brand was recognized at CinemaCon for its myriad of concepts that go far beyond the confines of cinema theatres to create great moments for everyone every day.
Keeping customers at the heart of its operations, VOX Cinemas is synonymous with innovative concepts, cutting-edge technology and exclusive partnerships. Region-firsts, VOX experiences such as GOLD, ThEATre by Rhodes, 4DX, KIDS, MAX, OUTDOOR and IMAX with Laser continue to escalate the movie-viewing experience and ultimately raise the bar for entertainment standards worldwide.
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About CinemaCon
CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry –from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the movie-going experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office.
CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its tradeshow partners. CinemaCon is also delighted to have as its official presenting sponsor The Coca–Cola Company, one of the industry’s greatest and highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies.
About NATO
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 81 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.
Additional information on CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.
Media Contacts:
Heather Lewandoski
Rogers & Cowan
615.519.1747
hlewandoski@rogersandcowan.com
Corey Barger
Rogers & Cowan
310.967-3427
cbarger@rogersandcowan.com
© Press Release 2017
