Grand Megaplex 21 Screens Now Open at Ibn Battuta Mall

Gulf Film LLC is the foremost authority in cinema entertainment for the Middle East and credited with reviving the fortunes of the industry through its chain of Grand Cinemas in the U.A.E & Gulf Region. The Opening of Grand Megaplex 21 Screens currently tallies Grand Cinemas with 108 screens. After the completion of projects in Jordan and Lebanon, the Grand Cinema circuit will embrace 132 screens by 2006, making it the single largest cinema circuit in the Middle East.

The newest and by far the largest addition to the Grand Cinema chain is the Grand Megaplex 21 Screens including IMAX at Ibn Battuta Mall. The Grand Megaplex incorporates 21 screens including an IMAX theatre (opening June 2005), all built to the highest international standards with cutting edge entertainment technology, including automated cinemas, wall-to-wall screens, stadium seats with extra leg room, full digital sound and an ultra stylish lobby. Grand Megaplex 21 Screens will seat over 3,000 people, and over 350 in the IMAX theatre when it opens in June.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel, said: "Grand Megaplex 21 Screens with IMAX provides a stunning centrepiece to Ibn Battuta’s already world-class blend of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Since the launch in April, the success of Ibn Battuta Mall, has exceeded all expectations; the addition of this fabulous state-of-the art cinema can only draw in more visitors from all over the region and enhance our reputation as a major landmark even further."

A spokesperson from Gulf Film LLC said: "Grand Megaplex 21 Screens crowns our 30-year record in upgrading the standards of movie entertainment in the Gulf Region and will enhance the cinema experience for all movie goers. Grand Megaplex 21 Screens including IMAX is our most ambitious project to date and we are geared to make it one of the most outstanding cinema experiences in the Middle East. Our partnership with Nakheel is driven by our commitment to the highest standards, matching the vision of Nakheel as the developers of Ibn Battuta Mall. With several new developments due to open in the area surrounding Ibn Battuta Mall, the number of residents living in the area will increase over the coming years, and we expect the demand for cinema entertainment to grow even further."

Gulf Film’s choice of Ibn Battuta Mall was prompted by its strategic location and its proximity to key residential and retail projects, including The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Marina, The Gardens and other surrounding developments. By the end of 2004, the population within a 5-minute driving vicinity from Ibn Battuta Mall was to the order of 150,000 and is expected to reach in the region of 275,000 by 2008. More significantly, by 2008, over 880,000 people will be living within a 15-minutes drive from the mall. Additionally, some 600,000 tourists per annum, who stay in hotels within a 15-minute radius, will visit the Mall as an ideal recreational complex.

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Issued by octOpus on behalf of Ibn Battuta Mall and Gulf Film LLC. For further information, please call Shereen Dury at 04 2868275/050 7690087, e-mail: shereend@octopusme.com. For Gulf Film LLC information, please call Carly Ramia at 04-2623964/ext 206 or carly@gulffilm.com

About Ibn Battuta Mall:
Ibn Battuta Mall, a Nakheel project, is located adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road between Interchanges 5 and 6. The Mall combines retail, entertainment, restaurant and family activities all within a uniquely themed environment. The inspiration for the theme of Ibn Battuta Mall is the legendary Arab explorer Ibn Battuta. The unique design of the shopping mall and separately themed courts are based on his travels through Asia and the Middle East. Each of the six courts is themed on a country and a shopping zone to reflect Ibn Battuta's travels through Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The spacious Mall covering an area of 3.1 million square feet, offers a charming mix of shopping outlets, specialty shops, restaurants, a hypermarket and a cinema Megaplex. Parking space has been allocated for over 5,000 cars, taking the total site space up to 5.4 million square feet.

Grand Cinemas 21 Screens – including IMAX-Fact Sheet
The new Grand Megaplex 21 Screens including IMAX will surpass the luxury Entertainment experience, it is synonymous with:
• Luxury
It has the ultimate in high comfort movie watching. No matter where you choose to sit there is plenty of leg room guaranteed. With the most modern in plush double armrest deluxe seating your experience is a VIP service.
• Superb Sound-System
All halls showcase the latest cinematic sound technology to thrill the most discerning movie-goers; Digital Dolby, Digital Theatre Sound (DTS).
• Concessions Selection
The Grand Megaplex boasts the largest concession counter in the UAE which includes an exemplary stock of snacks and refreshments to suit all taste.
• Computerised Ticketing
A sophisticated ticketing system allows pre-booking via telephone to facilitate a fast and efficient experience.
• Group Bookings
With a wide array of theatre sizes, group bookings can be facilitated with ease. A choice of either entire screen booking or block bookings is available depending on the size of your company and function.
• Seating Capacity
The Grand Megaplex including IMAX has a total seating capacity for 3,500 movie watchers.
• Future projects
Existing Grand Cinemas loyalty programs for students and children will be extended to include the Grand Megaplex-21 screens. In addition, continuous reward deals for visitors, through prizes and giveaways of collectible movie memorabilia and more will be offered.