JEDDAH: Months after lockdown, Saudis have resumed entertainment activities, with venues such as VOX Cinemas promising a safe and secure experience amid brave plans for expansion.
Sunday evening marked the Jeddah opening of VOX Cinemas’ 11th movie theater in Saudi Arabia, further consolidating its ambitious expansion plans across the Kingdom in spite of the pandemic, which placed the country under lockdown for more than three months.
Speaking to Arab News, Mohamed Al-Hashemi, country head of Majid Al-Futtaim Ventures in Saudi Arabia, said that visitor numbers are increasing, and “the main aim nowadays is that visitors come back to cinema with confidence that the place they are visiting is clean and safe.”
He added that since the easing of the lockdown, there are promising indications of growing visitor numbers. Al-Hashemi said the company is the biggest cinema house operator in Saudi Arabia in regard to the number of halls, screens and visitors.
“After each show, we insist on social distancing and have the surfaces cleaned and the seats sterilized. In fact, we take all the precautionary health measures to ensure our visitors have a safe and comfortable cinema experience. This has caused a spending upsurge, but that was a necessity,” he said.
Al-Hashemi said that although cinemas were affected by the pandemic, the effects were not limited to the entertainment sector.
“Like all other companies in the market, the pandemic has affected us, but with the government we are committed to all measures. One hand cannot clap. We have a role to play along with the roles the government is playing to confront the pandemic. Luckily, we bypassed the lockdown stage. Our goal now is to regain people’s confidence in these entertainment and cinema locations. With time, this trust will increase more and more,” he said.
With Saudi’s “thirst” for more cinema experiences, Majid Al-Futtaim’s VOX Cinemas is keen to expand its presence in the Kingdom’s entertainment market, which means reaching cinema fans no matter where they are in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hashemi said that the more cinemas that are opened, the more job opportunities are created.
“We bring people who are looking for a source of income. We train them, qualify them and then offer them job opportunities. It is a give-and-take equation,” he added.
VOX Cinemas quenching Saudi Arabia’s post-pandemic film thirst
https://arab.news/84xrp
VOX Cinemas quenching Saudi Arabia’s post-pandemic film thirst
- Sunday evening marked the Jeddah opening of VOX Cinemas’ 11th movie theater in Saudi Arabia
India Embassy, consulate celebrate Republic Day
- Flag hoisting, cultural performances, and a reception highlight India–Saudi friendship and growing partnership
JEDDAH: The 77th Republic Day of India was celebrated in Riyadh and Jeddah on Monday.
Th events brought together the Indian community, Saudi dignitaries, and members of the diplomatic corps, highlighting the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.
The celebrations in Riyadh began with Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan unfurling the tricolour, the singing of the national anthem, and floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s bust.
Khan read the Indian president’s message to the nation and Indians worldwide, followed by cultural performances by schoolchildren and the Indian community.
The performances included special features marking the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram.
A photo booth highlighting the song’s significance was set up, and later, the ambassador interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and local journalists.
In Jeddah, the celebrations began in the morning with the unfurling of the Indian national flag at the Consulate General of India.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri read out a message from the president of India, acknowledging the dedication of the Indian diaspora in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Patriotic performances by students from the International Indian School added a festive touch, and the consul general addressed the performers while interacting with community members.
The celebrations continued in the evening with a reception at Al-Sohba Hall, Park Hyatt, attended by consuls general from different countries, along with prominent Saudi and Indian dignitaries.
Fareed bin Saad Al-Shehri, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the chief guest, said he always feels delighted at such events, which showcase the blending of Saudi and Indian cultures.
The guest of honor was Capt. Ali Salem Al-Mehwari, director-general of the Jeddah Islamic Port.
Speaking to Arab News, the Indian consul general said the reception reflects the strength of India–Saudi Arabia relations and underscores the complementary visions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and India’s Vision 2047.
“Both countries are working toward inclusive growth, economic diversification, and long-term partnership,” he added.
Suri said: “India and Saudi Arabia share a robust strategic partnership that has strengthened in recent years across trade, investment, energy, education, and cultural exchange.
“Educational and professional cooperation is expanding, people-to-people ties are deepening, and cultural interactions continue to thrive. This partnership is creating long-term opportunities for mutual growth and shared prosperity.”
