As part of an expanded partnership with IMAX Corp., Gulf Film will open three new IMAX theaters across the Gulf, including in Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE.

The site of that theater in Qatar will be inside of a new cinema complex at Medina Centrale at the Pearl, Gulf Film has told Doha News. It will be Qatar’s second experience with IMAX, which has a screen at the cinema in Villaggio mall. 

Speaking about the agreement, which was reached this week, IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond said:

“With 50 percent of the population under 25 and a growing appetite for Hollywood blockbusters, we view the Middle East as a region with tremendous growth potential and, with today’s agreement, we are capitalizing on these opportunities and executing against our goal of international network expansion.”

As the first second* standalone cinema complex in Qatar, the Pearl project will include 10 screens, a private lounge and dining options, among other offerings. It was originally slated to open last year, but is now on track for a 2014 opening, a Gulf Film spokeswoman confirmed. 

The UAE-based group was acquired by Q.media last year, which has announced plans to open dozens more theaters in Qatar over the next three years. That includes a site in Al Khor and a huge cinema complex in the northern part of the country. 

Meanwhile, competing UAE-based company VOX Cinemas has also said it plans to pursue opportunities in Qatar. Previously, an official at Doha Festival City told Doha News that VOX is expected to be a tenant in the 500-shop development.

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Credit: Photo courtesy of Gulf Film

*Editor’s note: In fact, the Gulf & Doha Cinema complex was the country’s first standalone facility, although it is currently shuttered for renovations.