Imax currently has 10 operational locations in Saudi Arabia, with another 22 slated to open, including those covered by the muvi agreement.
Imax Corporation and Muvi Cinemas, Saudi Arabia’s biggest cinema exhibitor, have announced their first collaboration, agreeing to install four state-of-the-art Imax with Laser systems in major commercial centres across the country.
Under the agreement, Muvi Cinemas will introduce two Imax systems in Riyadh, one in Jeddah’s Mall of Arabia, and the first Imax system in Dhahran. Three of these locations are expected to open by the end of 2024, with an additional location scheduled for 2025.
Speaking about the collaboration, Adon Quinn, CEO of Muvi Cinemas, said: “Imax is the most immersive cinematic experience in the world, and we’re grateful to join forces with them to bring Imax with Laser to key locations across Saudia Arabia, including the first Imax location ever in Dhahran. At Muvi Cinemas, we always strive to provide the best cinematic experiences to our guests and maintain our positioning as the market leader. This partnership with Imax underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled, world-class experiences to our audiences.”
Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax, added: “Saudi Arabia is a market where the Imax footprint has grown dramatically in recent years, and yet so much untapped potential still lies before us. This is a country with a passionate moviegoing audience that has embraced diverse fare in Imax ranging from Oppenheimer to Bad Boys to international films and — by partnering with a premier, nationwide exhibitor like Muvi — we are strengthening our ability to meet that strong demand.”
Since its first full year of operation in 2019, Saudi Arabia has been one of Imax’s top 20 markets globally. Recent releases, such as Oppenheimer, which became the highest-grossing Imax title in Saudi Arabia, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which ranks among the top five, highlight the country’s significance for Imax. Saudi Arabia remains a key market for both Hollywood and local content from India and Japan. The 2025 global film slate will feature a record 14 “Filmed for Imax” releases.
Currently, Imax has 10 open locations in Saudi Arabia, with an additional 22 planned, including the new partnership with Muvi. Imax projects it can open at least 50 locations in the country. With this new agreement, Imax is now partnered with the top four cinema exhibitors in Saudi Arabia.
The new Imax locations will feature Imax with Laser, Imax’s most advanced projection system. This technology delivers crystal clear, lifelike images and precision audio. The 4K laser projection system includes a new optical engine, custom-designed lenses, and proprietary technology, offering brighter images with higher resolution, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colours available exclusively in Imax theatres.
