With cool night-time temperatures lingering for a little while yet, where better to watch a movie than at one of the UAE’s open air cinema events? We round up the best ones to catch, from beach clubs to rooftops.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Thursday Floating Films at Abu Dhabi Golf Club offers an alternative take on the open-air cinema experience, with a family-friendly pool added to the mix. Ideal for children, the evenings feature lilos, rubber rings and inflatable balls for a combined aquatic and cinematic adventure. There's also a barbecue with a range of grilled meats and vegetables. The films, which are aimed at children, include Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure (May 5), The Seventh Dwarf (May 12), Music and Lyrics (May 19) and Tad the Lost Explorer (May 26). No advance booking is required. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Thursdays from 5pm
Price: Free
Contact: 02 885 3555, www.adgolfclub.com
Sheraton Abu Dhabi
Enjoy the biggest blockbusters on a five-metre screen at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi every Friday and Saturday night. Held at the beachside restaurant The Beachcomber, the open-air experience runs until May 14, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The minimum spend is Dh10 per person, redeemable against food or drink throughout the screening. Look out for big-budget movies such as The Avengers (tonight), The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (tomorrow), Frozen (May 6) and Gravity (May 7). The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (May 13) and The Man from Uncle (May 14) will also be screened.
When: Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm
Price: Free
Contact: 02 677 3333, www.sheratonabudhabihotel.com
Yas Marina
Showcasing Hollywood, international and Arabic films, Yas Marina's Classic Movie Night has something for everyone. Held each Tuesday until the end of May, the evening operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and includes dining options from seven licensed restaurants and bars. With a focus on award-winning, iconic movies, upcoming films include Dead Poets Society (May 3), From A to B (May 10), The Big Sleep (May 17) and Two Brothers (May 24). The Last Metro, a French film set in Paris during the Second World War, will also be screened (May 31).
When: Tuesdays from 7.30pm
Price: Free
Contact: 800 627 4627, www.yasmarina.ae
Dubai
Galleria Mall
The first of Vox Cinemas' open-air venues, Outdoor at Galleria Mall hosts up to 111 moviegoers on its rooftop on Al Wasl Road. With both the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa visible, the views are as spectacular as the films, which are screened on a high-resolution digital projection system with multidimensional Dolby sound. Guests can also use headphones for a more immersive experience. From tonight, look out for the latest Hollywood flicks Mother's Day, Bastille Day and Captain America: Civil War, which will be screened twice daily until May 4. While you watch, delve into a complimentary hamper, which includes a bottle of water, soft drink, popcorn, chocolates and crisps. You can also order from Galleria Mall restaurants such as Taste of Italy and Home Bakery, and have food delivered directly to your rooftop tables.
When: Daily, 8pm; plus Thursday to Tuesday, 10.45pm; Wednesdays, 11pm
Price: Dh150 per person
Contact: 600 599905, www.voxcinemas.com
La Playa Lounge
Hang out with the cool crowd at La Playa Lounge, one of the hippest outdoor cinema venues in the UAE. Located next to JBR, this beachside favourite is home to a 20-metre by 10-metre high-definition screen, which it claims is the largest outdoor screen in the country. Sink into the white sofas to enjoy nachos, shisha and free popcorn as you listen through headphones. Movies, which are played with Arabic subtitles, are usually one to two years old and suitable for those 12 and above. Sports matches are also shown between screenings.
When: Daily, 6pm and 9pm
Price: Dh50 per person
Contact: www.laplayalounge.com
Pyramids at Wafi
Movies Under The Stars at Pyramids at Wafi is something of an institution. With giant beanbags in a sunken pit, the Rooftop Gardens venue is cosy, inviting and home to a large screen on which classic films are played every Sunday. Until May 15, when the venue closes for summer, feast on popcorn, burgers and hot dogs while watching these Hollywood films: Stepmom (May 1), The Proposal (May 8) and Maid in Manhattan (May 15).
When: Sundays, 8.30pm
Price: Free
Contact: 04 324 4100, www.pyramidsrestaurantsatwafi.com
Reform Social & Grill
Inject a little magic into Tuesday nights with Reform's outdoor cinema experience, which will focus on fantasy fiction throughout May. Relax on beanbags, picnic blankets or sofas as cult classics play on a large screen at this popular British-themed venue at The Lakes. On the food menu are Angus cheeseburgers, waffles and bottomless popcorn. The film offerings include Who Framed Roger Rabbit (May 3), Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone (May 10), Labyrinth (May 17) and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring (May 24).
When: Tuesdays, 8pm
Price: Dh100 minimum charge on food and beverage per person
Contact: 04 454 2638, www.reformsocialgrill.ae
Zero Gravity
Head to Zero Gravity on Wednesday nights to watch some of Hollywood's greatest blockbusters, including Identity Thief (May 4) and World War Z (May 11). Held at the beach club's new Sunlounge Cinema in Dubai Marina, the experience is hard to beat, with a 5.6-metre LED screen and state-of-the-art sound system providing top-class visuals and acoustics. Moviegoers are allowed entry on a first-come, first-seated basis, and can order finger food, sharing plates and beverages from their lounger or couch. They can also tuck into a complimentary box of popcorn. With no cover charge, the experience suits those on a budget, yet is packed with all the five-star touches you would expect from a top beachside venue.
When: Wednesdays, 8pm
Price: Free
Contact: 04 399 0009, www.0-gravity.ae
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