In the past week, drive-in cinemas have made a comeback in the UAE, with Vox Cinemas Drive-in opening to the public on Sunday, May 17 with nightly movie screenings.
However, following the announcement that the UAE's disinfection campaign will now take place from 8pm to 6am from Wednesday, May 20, until further notice, the newly launched cinemas will close.
"In adherence with the government's updated curfew extension in the UAE, Vox Cinemas Drive-in at Mall of the Emirates will be temporarily closed from Wednesday, May 20," a spokesperson for Vox Cinemas told The National.
What if you bought tickets for a drive-in movie this week?
Vox Cinema had pre-sold tickets for drive-in movies until early next week, with entry costing Dh189 per car, with two people per car allowed in. The price includes caramel popcorn, salted popcorn, nachos, M&Ms, soft drinks and water.
All customers will now be contacted and given a full refund.
"We have contacted all customers who advance booked and initiated a full refund," the spokesperson added. "We wait patiently for the return of Drive-in, and until then we ask everyone to follow all government guidance, and please stay safe."
As per the announcement on Monday, May 19, UAE malls will be able to open from 9am to 7pm with precautionary measures, starting Wednesday. After Eid, there will be new mall timings.
The drive-in cinema was following strict social distancing protocol. When open, the capacity of the cinema is limited to 75 cars, with a maximum of two people allowed in each vehicle.
In line with government regulations, individuals above the age of 60 and children between 3 and 12 years of age are not permitted to access the mall and the drive-in cinema.
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Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
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2012-2015
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May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
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Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
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180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
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Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
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Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
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'Falling%20for%20Christmas'
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
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- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO
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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
