The red carpet was rolled out in cinematic fashion on April 9 as The Amateur premiered in an unforgettable event at Mall of the Emirates, marking a milestone moment in UAE cinema. The event was not just about the film – it was a celebration of 25 years of VOX Cinemas, and it was even more special with the grand opening of their brand-new IMAX theatres.
The state-of-the-art IMAX experience now features seven immersive pods, a futuristic setup unveiled in collaboration with the iconic architecture firm OMA and legendary award-winning composer Hans Zimmer. The new IMAX pods promise to elevate the way audiences experience film – both visually and sonically.
Guests arrived in a buzzing atmosphere as the event kicked off at 7 PM. The evening was hosted by none other than Kris Fade from Virgin Radio, who kept the energy high with his signature charm, live interactions, and engaging games that added a fun and community vibe to the celebrations.

In addition to the much-anticipated The Amateur, attendees were treated to a special premiere of Mickey 17, adding an extra thrill to the already electrifying night.
The event also featured an opening speech that paid tribute to VOX Cinemas’ 25-year journey and its role in shaping the movie-going experience in the region. From humble beginnings to leading the charge in cinema innovation, VOX continues to push the envelope – and this latest IMAX launch is proof.
With a mix of entertainment, innovation, and cinematic brilliance, the night was a true celebration of storytelling and technology. If this event is anything to go by, the future of cinema in the region is brighter—and louder—than ever!
(Contributed by Wajeeha Syed)