During these warmer months, before it gets sweltering and it’s still enjoyable to be outside, it’s time to make the most of the UAE’s latest craze – outdoor cinemas.
Pack a blanket, some snacks, a few of your favourite people and enjoy the novelty of watching movies outside in grassy parks, rooftops and beaches around the UAE. Here are our top picks of the UAE’s outdoor cinemas
Movies Under the Stars
Head to the rooftop gardens at Wafi Pyramids every Sunday night for Dubai’s original outdoor cinema. It’s a local favourite, with giant beanbags to lounge on and classic cinema food like hotdogs and popcorn available to purchase, and it’s free and open to the public.
Where: Pyramids Wafi, Dubai
When: Every Sunday evening at 8.30pm
Upcoming film: The Bodyguard (Sunday March 20)
Info: pyramidsrestaurantsatwafi.com
The 7th Art Al Fresco
The 7th Art Al Fresco, the outdoor edition of the popular art film screening programme created by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, has begun! Every third Saturday, at changing locations including Mushrif Central Park and the Abu Dhabi Corniche, watch films introduced by veteran film experts with Q&As after each screening.
Where: Alternate locations in Abu Dhabi
When: Every 3rd Saturday
Upcoming films: Chaplin’s classic The Kid (April 23)
Info: facebook.com/The7thArtAD
Reform Social Cinema
A weekly cinema club that takes place in the orchid garden of Reform Social & Grill restaurant, booking is necessary to ensure a place and enjoy a free drink on arrival. There are four films a month and each month has its own theme so check their website to see what is playing and when.
Where: Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai
When: Tuesdays at 8pm
Upcoming films: March is ‘revival films’, April is ‘comedy films’, May is ‘fantasy films’.
Info: reformsocialgrill.ae/filmcalendar.php
Yas Marina Films
The Capital’s original outdoor cinema takes place at Yas Marina for classic movies every Tuesday and free kids every Friday at sunset. There are also seven quality restaurants right next to the location so you’ll find no shortage of places to grab some food to enjoy during the free screening.
Where: Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Kids films every Friday, classic movies every Tuesday.
Upcoming films/info: facebook.com
Yard Cinema
Alserkal Avenue wants us all to join them for free monthly film screenings of the artiest films in cinematic history (we expect nothing less) under the stars of the industrial arts centre.
Where: Alskeral Avenue, Al Quoz
When: Once a month on a Saturday evening
Upcoming films: Rashomon (Saturday 26 March), The Red Shoes (Saturday 30 April).
Info: alserkalavenue.ae
Open-Air Cinema
The Sheraton at Abu Dhabi’s corniche is the latest venue to join in the outdoor cinema trend, having just begun their free weekly screenings last year. They announce their films a couple weeks in advance so keep your eyes on the Facebook page.
Where: Sheraton Resort, Corniche, Abu Dhbai
When: Saturday nights at 7pm
Upcoming films: Pirates of the Caribbean (Friday March 18). Eat, Pray, Love (Saturday March 19)
Info: facebook/SheratonAbuDhbai
Beach Movie Night
The Sheraton isn’t the only hotel in Abu Dhabi to offer you an outdoor cinema experience. Bayshore at the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi shows a weekly film on the beach every Thursday at 7pm with free entry, free valet parking, free blankets and free popcorn to start off your weekend.
Where: The Intercontinental, Abu Dhabi
When: Thursdays at 7pm
Info: facebook.com/InterContiAD
The Vox Rooftop Cinema
Just launched this month, The Vox Rooftop Cinema at Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road is offering a daily solution to your outdoor cinema needs. Running all throughout the winter months, until it’s too hot for anyone to want to be outside, visit their site or pop by to find out what films they are playing daily.
Where: Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road
When: Every day
Upcoming films: Check website for details
Info: uae.voxcinemas.com
