Dubai's Novo set to open cinema in Saudi this year

Dubai-based Novo Cinemas is holding talks with potential partners to open theatres in Saudi Arabia this year, Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East reported, citing Debbie Standford-Kristiansen, its chief executive officer.

“We are looking very closely at Saudi Arabia, so that is top of our radar. We have had a number of discussions with potential partners including mall operators and we will be taking it forward very soon,” Standford-Kristiansen told Bloomberg.

The first private movie screening will take place on Wednesday at the cinema complex in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, Arab News reported on Monday.

Novo is also planning to open new cinemas in the UAE, Bahrain and Oman in 2018-19, including a flagship site at IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park in Dubai, the CEO said.

It is currently operating 150 screens across 14 cinemas across the Gulf countries.