Saudi Arabia’s cinema industry is one of the most remarkable cultural transformations in modern history. After a 35-year ban that ended in April 2018, the Kingdom has built over 700 screens across more than 60 multiplexes in just eight years — and it is still accelerating toward a Vision 2030 target of 2,600 screens. Whether you are visiting Riyadh, Jeddah, or the Eastern Province, catching a film is now an essential part of any Saudi Arabia travel itinerary. From IMAX spectacles and luxury VIP suites to gourmet dining delivered to your recliner, Saudi cinemas rival and often surpass anything you will find in Dubai, London, or Los Angeles. This guide covers every chain, the best multiplexes by city, ticket prices, what is showing, and the practical details you need to plan a perfect movie night in the Kingdom.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (cinemas are air-conditioned — ideal for hot summer afternoons)
Getting There: Multiplexes in every major mall in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — reachable by Uber, Careem, or car
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa
Budget: SAR 35–130 per ticket ($9–$35 USD) depending on standard vs VIP
Must-See: VOX Renaissance at VIA Riyadh, Muvi Suites at Boulevard Riyadh City, IMAX at Muvi Mall of Arabia Jeddah
Avoid: Arriving without a pre-booked seat on weekends — popular screenings sell out fast
From Ban to Boom: How Saudi Arabia Built a Cinema Industry from Scratch
Public cinemas were banned in Saudi Arabia in 1983 during a wave of ultraconservatism that followed the 1979 Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca. For 35 years, Saudis who wanted to see a film on the big screen had to drive to Bahrain or fly to Dubai. That changed on 11 December 2017, when the Ministry of Culture announced that cinemas would reopen as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform programme.
On 18 April 2018, the first cinema opened: an AMC Theatres location in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, housed in a converted 620-seat symphony hall. The first film screened was Black Panther. Within months, VOX Cinemas, Muvi Cinemas, and Cinepolis followed. By 2025, the Kingdom had more than 700 screens across 66 cinemas in 22 cities — a market valued at approximately $611 million and projected to reach $1.39 billion by 2034.
Major Cinema Chains in Saudi Arabia
Five international and domestic chains dominate the Saudi market. Each offers a different experience, from budget-friendly standard screens to world-class luxury auditoriums.
Muvi Cinemas — The Homegrown Leader
Muvi is Saudi Arabia’s largest cinema operator, with 23 locations and over 214 screens across 22 cities. Founded locally, Muvi has expanded aggressively into secondary cities that international chains have not yet reached. Muvi operates several premium formats: Muvi Suites (luxury recliners with a la carte dining and Saudi coffee service), Muvi Boutique (themed auditoriums with names like The Library, Paparazzi, and Beverly Hills), and ScreenX (270-degree immersive projection). Muvi also has the largest IMAX footprint in the Kingdom, with screens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.
VOX Cinemas — The Premium Powerhouse
Owned by UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim, VOX operates 149 screens across 17 locations in Saudi Arabia. VOX is synonymous with luxury: its GOLD by Rhodes format (named after Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes) serves gourmet food to your recliner, while the Renaissance at VIA Riyadh features seven private themed auditoriums that rank among the most extraordinary cinema experiences anywhere in the world. VOX also operates standard, Kids, IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and Samsung Onyx LED screens.
AMC Cinemas — The Pioneer
AMC holds a special place in Saudi cinema history as the first chain to open in the Kingdom. The original KAFD location in Riyadh remains operational, alongside branches at Panorama Mall, Riyadh Gallery, Al-Makan Mall, and Stars Avenue Mall in Jeddah. AMC offers standard and premium formats with in-seat dining options including bubble waffles, crepes, and cake jars.
Cinepolis — The Affordable Alternative
Mexican chain Cinepolis entered Saudi Arabia in 2019 and focuses on value. With locations in Jeddah (Al Masarah Square), Dammam (Lulu Mall), Riyadh (Cordoba Mall), and smaller cities including Jazan and Najran, Cinepolis brings cinema to areas underserved by the premium chains. The chain operates 63 screens across its Saudi locations.
Reel Cinemas and Empire Cinemas
Reel Cinemas (an Emaar subsidiary) operates a 14-hall complex at Granada Mall in Riyadh with approximately 1,250 seats, and has announced a SAR 1 billion investment to open 20 new venues over five years. Empire Cinemas operates in Riyadh (including an IMAX at Rabwa) and Al Ahsa, adding competition in the mid-range segment.
Best Cinemas in Riyadh
The capital has the highest concentration of screens in the Kingdom. If you are visiting Riyadh, these are the multiplexes worth seeking out.
VOX Renaissance at VIA Riyadh
This is arguably the most luxurious cinema in the Middle East. Seven private themed auditoriums — Orient Express, Wall Street, Tuwaiq, Oasis (Dolby Atmos with Samsung Onyx LED), Avant Garde, Secret Garden, and Interstellar — each seat between 20 and 50 guests in bespoke furniture. You can hire an entire auditorium for up to three hours. Gourmet food packages are available, and the decor alone is worth the visit. Located in the VIA Riyadh complex on King Fahd Road.
Muvi at Boulevard Riyadh City
The flagship Muvi location inside Saudi Arabia’s premier entertainment district, Boulevard Riyadh City, offers both Suites and Boutique formats. The Suites experience includes fully reclining leather seats, a dedicated lounge with Arabic coffee, and a la carte dining brought to your seat. This is the cinema to visit during Riyadh Season when the surrounding district is alive with concerts, pop-up restaurants, and events.
VOX at Kingdom Centre
Situated inside Riyadh’s most iconic skyscraper, this VOX location offers a flagship premium experience with a VIP lounge and fine dining. After the film, take the elevator up to the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge for panoramic views of the city — a perfect evening combination.
AMC at King Abdullah Financial District
The cinema that started it all. While other venues have surpassed it in luxury, this AMC location carries historical significance as the site of Saudi Arabia’s first public film screening in 35 years. The converted concert hall acoustics still deliver an excellent sound experience.
Other Notable Riyadh Cinemas
- VOX at Riyadh Park Mall — IMAX screen, convenient location in the north of the city
- Muvi at Park Avenue Mall — 10 screens including ScreenX (270-degree projection)
- Empire Cinemas Rabwa — IMAX screen, a solid choice in the eastern suburbs
- Reel Cinemas at Granada Mall — 14 halls with approximately 1,250 seats, strong family-friendly option
- Muvi Boutique at Tala Mall — four themed auditoriums (383 seats) for an intimate, curated experience
- VOX at Jeddah Park — standard and premium screens in the south of the city
- Muvi at Yasmin Mall — 9 screens with over 1,300 seats
- Cinepolis at Al Masarah Square — affordable tickets, good for families
- AMC at Stars Avenue Mall — standard format, convenient northern location
- Muvi at Al Nakheel Mall, Dammam — 7 screens with approximately 600 seats
- VOX at West Avenue Mall, Dammam — standard and premium formats
- Cinepolis at Lulu Mall, Dammam — budget-friendly option
- Intimate scenes: Kissing and intimate moments are typically shortened or removed. The very first screening (Black Panther, 2018) had 40 seconds of a kiss cut.
- LGBTQ+ content: Films with prominent LGBTQ+ themes or characters may be banned entirely — notable examples include Eternals, Lightyear, and West Side Story.
- Violence: Generally permitted. Action and horror films screen largely uncut.
- Political content: Films critical of Saudi Arabia or the royal family are not shown.
- VOX Cinemas: ksa.voxcinemas.com or VOX Cinemas app
- Muvi Cinemas: muvicinemas.com or Muvi Cinemas app
- AMC Cinemas: amccinemas.com or AMC app
- Cinepolis: ksa.cinepolisgulf.com
- Reel Cinemas: reelcinemas.com/en-sa
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Saudi Arabia Nightlife Guide — Bars, lounges, live music, and late-night culture
- Riyadh Season Guide — The Kingdom’s biggest annual entertainment festival
- Theme Parks in Saudi Arabia — From Six Flags Qiddiya to indoor attractions
- Shopping in Saudi Arabia — Malls, souqs, and where to find the best deals
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained
Best Cinemas in Jeddah
Saudi Arabia’s western gateway and second city has a strong cinema scene. Combine a movie with a stroll along the Jeddah Corniche or dinner in Al Balad.
Muvi at Mall of Arabia
Jeddah’s first IMAX screen opened here in December 2024 — a 225-seat auditorium with laser projection. Mall of Arabia is Jeddah’s largest shopping mall, making this a natural stop for visitors combining shopping and entertainment.
VOX GOLD at Red Sea Mall
Three GOLD VIP screens offer the full premium experience: reclining leather seats, a gourmet menu inspired by Michelin-starred Chef Gary Rhodes (crispy halloumi, calamari, jalapeno poppers, nachos with fresh guacamole), and a private VIP lounge. Red Sea Mall is one of Jeddah’s most popular malls, centrally located on King Abdulaziz Road.
Other Jeddah Cinemas
Best Cinemas in Dammam and the Eastern Province
The oil-rich Eastern Province — including Dammam, Al Khobar, and Dhahran — has its own thriving cinema scene.
Muvi at Dhahran Mall
The largest cinema complex in the Eastern Province: 13 halls with over 2,300 seats, including an IMAX screen that opened in early 2025. Dhahran Mall sits between Dammam and Al Khobar, making it accessible from both cities.
Other Eastern Province Cinemas
Ticket Prices: What to Expect
Saudi cinema tickets are competitively priced, especially by Gulf standards. Prices dropped significantly after the government slashed cinema licence fees in 2023.
| Format | Price (SAR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (daytime) | 34–35 | ~$9 |
| Standard (evening/weekend) | 39–45 | ~$10–12 |
| IMAX | 55–75 | ~$15–20 |
| VOX GOLD / Muvi Suites (VIP) | 75–131 | ~$20–35 |
| VOX Renaissance (private auditorium) | Varies (premium pricing) | From ~$40+ |
Tip: Look out for National Cinema Day, typically held in early September. In 2025, standard tickets dropped to just SAR 20 (about $5), with IMAX and Dolby screenings at SAR 30. It is the best-value cinema day of the year.
Student discounts are available at most chains — VOX, for instance, offers ticket-and-popcorn bundles for SAR 35.
What Is Showing: Hollywood, Bollywood, and Arabic Film
Saudi cinemas screen a wide range of content. Hollywood blockbusters make up the majority of programming — every major Marvel, DC, Disney, and studio release arrives on schedule, typically within a day or two of the global release date. Bollywood and South Indian films are well represented, reflecting the large South Asian expatriate community. Arabic films, including a growing number of Saudi-produced titles, are increasingly available.
Censorship and Ratings
Films are reviewed by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) before release. The main things to know:
Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has become more permissive than some of its Gulf neighbours. Barbie (2023) screened in Saudi cinemas while it was banned in neighbouring countries, drawing cross-border moviegoers from Kuwait and Qatar.
Age Ratings
GCAM operates a six-tier rating system: G (all ages), PG (parental guidance for under-12), PG12, PG15, R15 (no one under 15 admitted), and R18 (no one under 18). Cinemas check ID for R15 and R18 screenings.
The VIP and Luxury Cinema Experience
Saudi Arabia has quickly become one of the best countries in the world for luxury cinema. If you appreciate luxury experiences, these premium formats are worth the splurge.
VOX Renaissance at VIA Riyadh
Seven themed private auditoriums, each designed as a complete environment. The Orient Express room features vintage railway sofas and art-deco details. Oasis pairs a Samsung Onyx LED screen with Dolby Atmos sound. Interstellar immerses you in a space-themed cocoon. Each room can be hired privately, making this a popular choice for corporate events, birthdays, and date nights.
VOX GOLD by Rhodes
Available at Red Sea Mall in Jeddah and select Riyadh locations, GOLD offers all-premium reclining seats, a dedicated VIP lounge, and a gourmet menu that goes far beyond popcorn: think homemade chicken popcorn, crispy halloumi sticks, grilled shrimp, calamari rings, and nachos with freshly made guacamole. Food and mocktails are served directly to your seat.
Muvi Suites
Muvi’s top-tier format features fully reclining leather seats, a soothing pre-show lounge with traditional Saudi coffee, and an a la carte menu ranging from light bites to full meals. Available at Boulevard Riyadh City and other flagship locations. The Saudi coffee service before the screening is a unique cultural touch you will not find at any other cinema chain in the world.
Muvi Boutique at Tala Mall, Riyadh
Four themed auditoriums — The Library (wood-panelled walls, reading lamps), Paparazzi (red carpet and flashbulbs), London (British telephone boxes and double-decker bus motifs), and Beverly Hills (palm trees and California glamour) — with just 383 seats total. This intimate venue is ideal for a curated, design-forward movie experience.
Outdoor and Drive-In Cinema
Saudi Arabia’s dry climate and warm evenings make it ideal for outdoor screenings. Muvi Cinemas launched the Kingdom’s first drive-in cinema in Riyadh in 2020, accommodating approximately 150 cars. While this operated as a seasonal activation, open-air cinema events regularly pop up during Riyadh Season and other entertainment festivals.
In AlUla, Cinema AlJadidah offers an unforgettable outdoor cinema experience under the desert stars, surrounded by ancient sandstone formations. Films, snacks, and drinks are provided — it is as much a landscape experience as a cinematic one, and a highlight for visitors exploring the Hegra region.
Practical Tips for Visiting Saudi Cinemas
Booking Tickets
Every major chain offers online booking via websites and mobile apps. All cinemas use reserved seating, so you choose your exact seat at the time of purchase. Book in advance for weekend evenings and new releases — popular screenings sell out.
Gender Policies
Gender segregation in cinemas has been fully abolished. All Saudi cinema chains operate integrated auditoriums. The original AMC KAFD location, which initially separated men from families, was renovated to remove the division. Mixed seating is now standard across the Kingdom.
Food and Drink
Standard concession stands offer popcorn (including flavoured and caramel varieties), nachos, soft drinks, and pick-and-mix sweets. Premium formats serve much more — see the VIP section above. Note that Saudi Arabia is alcohol-free, so all beverages are non-alcoholic (mocktails, juices, coffee, tea). VOX Cinemas even offers online food delivery from their cinema kitchens.
Language
Hollywood films are shown in English with Arabic subtitles. Bollywood films are typically in Hindi with English and Arabic subtitles. Arabic films are in Arabic. Staff at all major chains speak English.
What to Wear
Cinemas are located inside air-conditioned malls, so dress comfortably but respect local dress code norms. Smart casual is fine. Cinemas can be cold — bring a light layer.
Getting There
All major cinemas are inside shopping malls with ample parking. Uber and Careem operate throughout Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province and will drop you directly at the mall entrance. If you are renting a car, most malls offer free parking.
The Future: Qiddiya, NEOM, and 2,600 Screens by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s cinema boom is far from over. The Vision 2030 target calls for 2,600 screens in 350 locations — roughly quadrupling the current count in five years. Several mega-projects will accelerate this growth.
Qiddiya City, a 140-square-mile entertainment megaproject 45 miles southwest of Riyadh, will include cinemas, theatres, and a cultural district alongside theme parks (Six Flags Qiddiya City opened in December 2025 with the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster). PlayMaker Studios, a 50-acre film production complex within Qiddiya, is adding soundstages in 2026, positioning the Kingdom as a regional film production hub backed by a 40% filming incentive.
NEOM in the northwest includes Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, already hosting international productions. Cinema and entertainment venues are embedded in the broader NEOM masterplan.
IMAX expansion: 21 additional IMAX screens are planned across the Kingdom on top of the 11 already open, through deals with Muvi, VOX, AMC, and Empire Cinemas.
Reel Cinemas has committed SAR 1 billion to open 20 new venues combining cinemas with family entertainment centres over the next five years.
The annual Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah (most recently held in December 2024) is also elevating Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global film industry, attracting major stars and premieres to the Kingdom each winter.
Cinema Comparison: Which Chain Should You Choose?
| Chain | Best For | Price Level | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOX Cinemas | Luxury and premium | Mid to high | Renaissance private auditoriums, GOLD dining |
| Muvi Cinemas | Variety and availability | Mid | Largest network, IMAX, Suites, Boutique themes |
| AMC Cinemas | History and convenience | Mid | Historic first Saudi cinema at KAFD |
| Cinepolis | Budget and smaller cities | Low to mid | Affordable tickets, reaches Jazan and Najran |
| Reel Cinemas | Families | Mid | Large halls at Granada Mall, family-friendly |
| Empire Cinemas | IMAX in Riyadh | Mid | IMAX at Rabwa |
Combining Cinema with Other Entertainment
A trip to the cinema pairs naturally with Saudi Arabia’s booming nightlife and entertainment scene. In Riyadh, combine a film at Boulevard Riyadh City’s Muvi Suites with dinner and live entertainment in the surrounding Riyadh Season zone. In Jeddah, catch a film at Red Sea Mall and then walk the Corniche at sunset. In Dammam, pair Dhahran Mall’s cinema with dinner at one of the city’s waterfront restaurants.
For families travelling with children, most cinemas sit inside malls that also house theme parks, play areas, and food courts — making it easy to fill an entire afternoon. Check out our guide to Saudi Arabia with kids for more ideas.
If you are visiting during Riyadh Season (typically October to March), outdoor cinema events, film festivals, and live entertainment add even more options to the mix. And for a completely different kind of evening out, explore our guide to fine dining in Saudi Arabia.