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VOX Cinema's screen count in Oman to increase by more than 150% by 2020 delivering more than 80 premium cinema screens
World class cinematic experiences planned for cinemas in City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum
Palm Mall and Mall of Oman confirmed as new locations for VOX Cinema in Oman
Muscat - Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and North Africa, has reaffirmed its commitment to Oman with news of its ambitious expansion pipeline.
The company's expansion plans in Oman will see VOX Cinemas' screen count increase by 150% by 2020, facilitating the launch of at least three new VOX Cinema locations in the Sultanate while supporting ongoing development of the existing VOX sites in City Centre Muscat and Qurum.
Since the 2014 opening of VOX Cinemas in Oman the entertainment pioneer has witnessed an outstanding performance in the market, with City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum currently netting the highest cinema admissions in Oman. With the expansion of the popular VOX concepts IMAX®, VOX Kids and 4DX across Oman, customers are guaranteed an even more innovative entertainment experience.
Speaking about his business' focus on Oman, Cameron Mitchell, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas - VOX Cinemas, said: "These major development plans in Oman further cement our vision to become the Middle East and North Africa's most popular entertainment provider. Our decision to designate further investment to Oman reinforces our commitment to the market by enhancing our existing circuit, and by launching new cinemas and concepts such as IMAX® and 4DX in Oman."
Mr. Mitchell added: "Oman is already fortunate to have a large number of successful cinema offerings across the country, and whilst the market does not require the introduction of a large number of new cinemas, there are selected pockets of Muscat, and outlying cities that are still underserviced with regards to the cinema screen accessibility. VOX Cinemas is determined to avoid over screening in the country, so we have been very careful in ensuring that the cinemas that we develop have their own catchment area".
Investing in the development of its City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum cinemas is in line with Majid Al Futtaim's recent mall extension at City Centre Muscat which added 10,000 square metres of retail area. With a vision to continuously offer guests the best in entertainment experiences, the first IMAX screen in Oman will be revealed at City Centre Qurum this year, which combines a floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall screen, crystal-clear images and sound you can feel for a truly immersive experience. City Centre Muscat will also be welcoming two of VOX Cinemas' most exciting concepts, 4DX featuring dynamic movement of 4DX motion chairs and engaging environmental effects and VOX GOLD which is the cinema's luxury brand with reclining seats, exclusive lounge, extensive gourmet menu and waiter service.
Gearing up to open a series of new cinemas across Oman and cities outside of Muscat, VOX Cinemas will be catering to the growing need for premium entertainment complexes in the country. Construction has already commenced on VOX Cinemas' third location in Oman which will be launched in conjunction with the Al Jawani Group at Palm Mall. The new 14-screen cinema will boast VOX Cinemas' GOLD premium concept, the big screen MAX concept and the fully immersive 4DX cinema concept.
Further developments in Oman will see VOX Cinemas introduce a luxurious 19-screen multiplex at the Mall Of Oman. With the mall construction planned to commence in 2017, this location is set to become VOX Cinemas' flagship location in Oman, offering residents all of the most modern and popular cinema entertainment options that VOX Cinemas is renowned for, supported by a new website, new kiosks, and new iPhone and android applications.
Commenting on VOX Cinemas' future plans for the region, Cameron Mitchell added: "Within the next eighteen months, we will be launching over a hundred new cinema screens throughout the region in markets including Oman, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. These plans will enable Majid Al Futtaim to maintain our position at the forefront of the regional cinema industry, whilst we continuously strive to deliver our vision of creating great moments for customers every day."
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Disclaimer: All facts and figures in this release are accurate at the time of issuance.
About Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas
VOX Cinemas is the Middle East's most innovative and customer-focused cinema experience. VOX Cinemas is owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas, which is the cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and North Africa. With 16 cinema complexes totalling 182 screens across the region, including 150 screens in the UAE, 15 screens in Lebanon and 17 screens in Oman, VOX Cinemas is now the Middle East's largest and most rapidly growing cinema exhibitor. In 2015, the company announced it significantly increased its initial investment in the business from a 750 million dirham investment to a 1 billion dirham investment that will see the company expand to operate over 400 screens in 8 countries by 2018.
Tailoring every cinema location to the surrounding market place and customer preferences, VOX Cinemas offers a mix of cinema experiences including two luxury cinema concepts, the first one VOX THEATRE by Rhodes which is a collaboration with Michelin Star Chef Gary Rhodes, and the much loved VOX GOLD luxury cinema experience. VOX also has the very first and only IMAX with Laser screen in the Middle East and its own large format VOX MAX big screen cinema, VOX holds the Middle East exclusive rights to 4DX, and recently launched VOX KIDS, the very first cinema in the Middle East dedicated to kids having fun.
About Majid Al Futtaim
Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
A remarkable business success story, Majid Al Futtaim started from one man's vision to transform the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure to 'create great moments for everyone, every day'. It has since grown into one of the United Arab Emirates' most respected and successful businesses spanning 14 international markets, employing more than 30,000 people, and achieving the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately-held corporates in the Middle East.
Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 19 shopping malls, 12 hotels and three mixed-use communities, with further developments underway in the region. The shopping malls portfolio includes Mall of the Emirates, City Centre malls, and also four community malls which are in joint venture with the Government of Sharjah. The Company holds exclusive rights to the Carrefour franchise in 38 markets across Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, and with the Hyperstar brand in Pakistan, operates a portfolio of more than 150 outlets in 14 countries.
Majid Al Futtaim operates 182 VOX Cinema screens and 22 Magic Planet family entertainment centres across the region, in addition to iconic leisure and entertainment facilities such as Ski Dubai and iFly Dubai, among others. The Company launched the first LEGO-certified store in the Middle East and is parent to the consumer finance company issuing 'Najm' and "Voyager" credit cards, a fashion retail business representing international brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, AllSaints and lululemon athletica, and a healthcare business that operates a network of City Centre Clinics. In addition, Majid Al Futtaim operates Enova, a facility management company, through a joint venture operation with Veolia, a global leader in optimised environment resource management. The Company also operates in the food and beverage industry through a partnership with Gourmet Gulf.
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Media Contact:
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© Press Release 2016
