Over the next year, the Pearl-Qatar will expand its offerings to include the country’s first standalone cinema complex and a Spinney’s supermarket that is four times the size of its existing Pearl branch.

The news comes as the real estate development battles negative publicity over an ongoing alcohol ban on the island and complaints from residents about excessive engine noise from “joy-riding” drivers.

The previously-estimated $10 million movie theater was slated to open last year, but is now looking at a 2014 completion date, Qatar Media Services announced this week. It is being built by UAE-based Gulf Film, which Q.media acquired last year.

According to a company statement, the 10-screen complex will include a VIP theater, a private lounge and dining options, as well as “blockbuster” movie releases. Movie-goers will also be able to book their tickets online via their mobiles. 

The Pearl has been planning a large movie complex for years. As far back as 2006, developer United Development Company promised investors a 1,900 cinema-seat facility.

Spinney’s

Meanwhile, Spinney’s has announced that it will open a second, much larger supermarket on the Pearl this September. The 4,000 square meter store, which will be located in the Medina Centrale district, will include bread and pastry corners, a sushi bar and other offerings. 

Earlier this year, the municipality temporarily closed Spinneys’ existing Pearl location at Porto Arabia for health violations, much to the dismay of residents there. The grocery chain’s CEO explained that weevils were found in a packet of dry pasta.

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Credit: Photo by omohat