The Top Drive-In Cinemas in Dubai
Hey there, movie fans! In case you’re wondering, Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan” was the highest grossing film in the UAE for 2023 earning over $9 million in the box office.
Although we live in a world where YouTube and Netflix exist, watching a film from a movie theater still feels different, doesn’t it?
So, what about we elevate that experience and watch your favorite movie from the comforts of your own car? Here are the best drive-in cinemas in and around Dubai that you must check out.
The Reel Drive-In Cinema at the Dubai Mall
Website: https://reelcinemas.com/en-ae/locations/the-dubai-mall
Address: Level 2 – The Dubai Mall – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: 800 38224 6255
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM daily
Price:
- AED 170 for one car with a maximum of two people
The Reel Drive-In Cinema at the Dubai Mall is one of the company’s two drive-in cinemas in Dubai, one being in Dubai Hills Estate.
Located at the rooftop of the mall’s Zabeel extension, this is the only drive-in cinema that gives you two spectacular views in one: the massive movie screen and the majestic Burj Khalifa in the background.
With showings every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, you need to buy your movie tickets online, so you’ll be allocated a spot at the drive-in cinema.
Upon arrival, a staff member will guide you to your parking spot depending on the size and type of your vehicle.
Once you’re settled, get your two bags of popcorn, one bag of nachos, two chocolate bars, two water bottles and two soft drinks, all of which are part of your drive-in cinema experience.
The cinema also has a food kiosk if you ever need more food and beverage while enjoying the movie.
And to make your experience more exciting,you can tune it to 88.3 FM on your car for the movie’s audio, although the cinema has its own speakers.
Pro tip:
Booking a ticket with the drive-in cinema guarantees you a spot, but you can’t choose a specific area in the parking lot. So, make sure that you go to the drive-in cinema early to get a good spot for the movie.
VOX Drive-In Cinema Dubai
Website: https://uae.voxcinemas.com/movies/whatson
Address: Mall of the Emirates – Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: 600 599 905
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily
Price:
- AED 180 plus VAT per car with a maximum of two passengers
VOX Drive-In Cinema is the first drive-in cinema in Dubai with daily showings in its location at the Mall of the Emirates.
The outdoor cinema can hold up to 75 cars and the massive 20-meter wide screen will surely give you the real cinema experience, although you’re inside the comforts of your own car.
After booking your ticket, you’ll be provided a QR code, which will be scanned by the usher upon entry. From there, a colored sticker will be placed on your windshield indicating your row and slot number.
You won’t have a hard time finding your spot though because VOX’s staff will take care of you from start to finish.
Your ticket also comes with a complementary F&B package that includes two bags of popcorn, one bag of nachos supreme, two water bottles, two soft drinks and one large M&Ms.
Pro tip:
Keep in mind that children aged 3 to 12 and adults over 60 years old are not allowed in the drive-in cinema.
Aljada by Arada Drive-In Cinema
Website: https://www.arada.com/en/aljada-movies/
Address: Aljada Discovery Center – Muwaileh Commercial – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 27232
Operating hours:
- 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily
Price:
- Free
If you don’t mind making the drive to Sharjah, you can enjoy the drive-in cinema at Aljada by Arada for free.
Located in a massive outdoor space that can accommodate up to 150 cars, Aljada is a great place to enjoy your favorite movie inside your car – and all for free!
All you have to worry about is your food, but you won’t have a shortage of options with more than 17 different food outlets at the nearby Zad food district.
The best part is, you can pre-order your grub online and they’ll deliver it to your spot right before the movie starts.
Pro tip:
The Ajlada drive-in cinema is on a first come first serve basis. So, if you want to get a spot at the cinema, make sure to line up at the venue as early as possible.