Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Hydra Open Air Cinema's First Outdoor Movie Screening in Abu Dhabi

Hydra Open Air Cinema launched a 12-night outdoor movie event in Abu Dhabi from December 1–12, opening with Quantum of Solace at the Emirates Palace. The series followed a successful run in Dubai, where over 1,800 people per night attended screenings on the beach at Mina A’salam in the shadow of the Burj Al Arab.

“Dubai has been one of the most successful first-time outdoor movie screenings for the Open Air Cinema, and we’re expecting to continue this in Abu Dhabi with around 2,000 people each night,” said Farzin Samadian, CEO of Swiss Open Air. “With the cinema on show at the majestic Emirates Palace, its location rivals anything in the world.”

Programming included several UAE premieres — Captain Hima, Niko: The Way to the Stars, and Genghis Khan — plus a world premiere of The Punisher 2, two weeks ahead of its global release. A charity dinner on December 5 benefited the Special Care Centre, an Abu Dhabi-based institution serving students with special needs, with a screening of Bolt under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamma Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The event was sponsored by Hydra Properties and supported by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and the Dubai International Film Festival.