UAE holds 30% of Middle Eastern cinema market share

The UAE Media Council has announced that the cinema sector generated AED 517 million in revenue during the first eight months of this year, attracting around 11 million cinema visits.

It said that this increase highlights the growing public confidence in the country's world-class entertainment offerings.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, stated that the UAE holds 30 per cent of the Middle Eastern cinema market share, reinforcing its leadership in this vital industry.

This success is attributed to ongoing investments in cinema infrastructure and strong partnerships with major global film studios.

Al Shehhi emphasised that the UAE Media Council is committed to boosting the media sector’s contribution to the local economy through supportive policies and innovative services for filmmakers.

"We strive to create a creative ecosystem that empowers filmmakers to deliver content that meets global standards while catering to the diverse aspirations of the UAE community," he explained.

He added that the figures reflect the rich diversity of cinematic content available in the UAE, serving a community of over 200 nationalities. "Cinema here is more than just entertainment; it’s a lens for appreciating our cultural diversity and a platform for dialogue among different cultures."

Currently, the UAE has 702 screens across 72 locations in various emirates.

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