With reporting from Peter Kovessy
Movie-goers in Qatar now have a new place to watch the latest releases, following the soft opening of another Qatar Bahrain International Cinema theater (Cineco) at Gulf Mall.
The 13-screen cinema is located on the second floor of Gulf Mall and includes two VIP theaters. Ticket prices start at QR35.
— Gulf Mall (@GulfMallQatar) May 26, 2016
It’s currently among the largest cinemas in Qatar, but appears to be opening at a time when fewer people are going to the theater.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Development, Planning and Statistics, the number of movie-goers in Qatar rose from 2009-2013, but then dropped in 2014.
However, the data also shows that fewer films were screened in 2014, which may have discouraged some would-be movie goers from heading to the theater.
Other cinemas
That said, the cinema market has been rapidly expanding in Qatar.
In March for example, a three-screen cinema operated by Cineco launched inside Al Khor Mall.
And three other large theaters are expected to open in the coming year, including:
- A 12-screen movie theater at Tawar Mall, which is located down the road from Landmark and Gulf malls and is expected to open by year-end;
- A 19-screen VOX cinema complex that includes a 4D film experience at Doha Festival City, which is planning a February opening; and
- A 19-screen theater at Mall of Qatar that includes IMAX and six VIP screens, and is scheduled to open in late October.
Gulf Mall’s Cineno movie timings can be found online. Thoughts?
