Drive-In Cinema Opens in Fujairah at 10pm on 10/10/10

A First
The first Arabian-style drive-in cinema in the UAE will open for moviegoers at 10pm on 10/10/10 against the mountains of Fujairah.

Mekki Abdulla, the Chief Executive of Fujairah Media, hit every media channel today to make the announcement.

Name
‘Arabian Cinemas’.

Concept
The idea is to enjoy a good movie under the desert sky, with refreshments and from the privacy of one’s own vehicle.

Facilities
The Arabian Cinemas in Fujairah will offer the world’s most advanced 3D theatre technology in an outdoor entertainment complex featuring four drive-in digital cinemas.

Capacity
Up to 7,200 patrons will be able to drive in to the movies every night with space for 800 vehicles at any one time. Prime location parking will be available for VIP Patrons.

Range
The films screened will include Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabic-Middle Eastern and family entertainment.

Associated Facilities
The complex will also offer a recreational area for children, a playground, arcade, picnic area and a miniature golf course.

Cost
The price tag is AED 35 million or US$9.5 million.

Creators
The dream has arisen from the Fujairah Media Group, a joint venture between the Fujairah Cultural Authority and the Arab International Media Services.

Rationale
It is hoped that the Arabian Cinemas will enhance Fujairah’s standing as an emerging tourist hot spot in the Middle East and will complement the city’s natural beauty with innovative technology.

How Will It Work?
1. Drive into the ground.
2. Purchase your tickets at the drive-thru ticket booth.
3. Park your vehicle in the designated space.
4. Buckle up your safety belt for the night of your life!
5. Watch movies on the giant projection screen.
6. Listen via the film’s audio FM channel.
7. Order a shawarma and other food and drink which will be brought to your car.
8. Light up a shisha to cap off a great Arabic evening.

Lift Off
Selecting the time of 10pm on the 10/10/10 relates to 10 being a perfect number—the ideal date for a perfect launch.

Additional Benefits
During the hours when movies are not screened, the Arabian Cinemas complex will be used for special events including musical concerts, cultural festivals, a golf school, driving range, car shows, flea markets etc.

Response
The Twittersphere has been full of tweets today about ‘Fujairah Gearing up for the First-of-a-kind Multi-screen Arabian-styled Drive-In Cinema’. Here is a sample of tweets on the first day:

Jyoti: ‘Wow! Dubai lost out on this as I remember the Dubai drive in.’
Kholood says: “Always wanted to go to one; shame they want to add shisha too.’
Karl (from Dubai) asks: ‘Worth the two hour drive?’
Rashid (from Dubai): ‘I’m there!’

Links
Drive-in Theatre Planned for Fujairah, The National.
Fujairah Gears Up For First-of-its-Kind Multi Screen Arabian-Styled Drive-In Cinema, AMEinfo.
Fujairah to Open Arabian-themed drive-in cinema, Trade Arabia.

Further on Film
‘City of Life’ Screening at Fujairah Cinema, FIF.
The Dubai Film ‘City of Life’, FIF.
Shooting of the Film ‘DAM 999’ in Fujairah, UAE, FIF.
‘City of Life’ Dubai Film—Now for the Sequel, FIF.

Geoff Pound

Connect with Geoff Pound on Facebook, Twitter or at geoffpound(at)gmail.com

‘City of Life’ Dubai Film—Now for the Sequel

What about a sequel to the film ‘City of Life’—but shot in the mountains and on the sea of the United Arab Emirates by the same director, Ali F Mostafa?

Faisal (played by UAE TV personality, Saoud Al Ka’abi) is a ‘privileged Emirati’ who finds that the snares of Dubai’s power, beauty, wealth and ambition lure him away from his religion and traditions. His frustrated father (played by Habib Ghuloom) is saddened by the way his son has humiliated the family and he says in desperation, “Sometimes I feel you are a complete stranger to me.”

Towards the end of the film Faisal drives out of the city and, parking his car parallel to the mountains of the UAE, at the base of which is a mosque (pictured), the young Emirati enters into deep reflection.

Some viewers concluded that this, like several other scenes, was melodramatic. A synopsis says about the film: “‘City of Life’ reveals how unexpected tragedy and loss can lead to hope and profound transformation…”

Perhaps this scene is a turning point but viewers are left hanging and wondering whether genuine transformation does take place.

Sequel
After a film that centred on the city, this scene suggests a sequel set in the countryside, the desert and the coastland of the Emirates.

Leaving the shiny towers of Dubai Faisal goes on pilgrimage among the massive Hajar Mountains to recover his roots, learn his traditions and acquire a moral compass.

While one of the motifs of ‘City of Life’ is the Bollywood Café presenting lookalikes to people fixated on appearances, setting a new film among the mountains and along the coasts of the UAE gives ample opportunity to portray authentic Emirati culture.

The answer is not to stay in the mountains and escape the city but how young Emiratis can be upheld by their heritage in a rapidly changing country is a pressing question.

Geoff Pound

Connect with Geoff Pound on Facebook, Twitter or at geoffpound(at)gmail.com

Image: From the film ‘City of Life’.