Inside the GCC cinema boom — why audiences are still flocking to the big screen
From blockbuster sequels to record admissions, cinema demand in the GCC remains resilient despite regional tensions
07 May, 2026
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Cinema audiences across the GCC are turning out in force despite ongoing regional tensions, as new releases such as The Devil Wears Prada 2 continue to pull viewers into theatres.
Fresh data suggests the sector is not just holding steady, but performing near peak levels.
According to Motivate Val Morgan — which operates across eight markets including all GCC countries, Egypt and Lebanon — cinemas within its network delivered 3.948 million admissions in the five weeks from Eid.
The company represents both on- and off-screen cinema advertising interests for leading cinema chains across the Middle East, spanning 1,198 screens at 117 locations. In 2025, it reached more than 37.2 million cinema-goers, giving it one of the region’s most comprehensive views of box office trends.
For Avinash Udeshi, chief operating officer at Motivate Val Morgan Cinema Advertising, the performance reflects both strong content and a resilient audience base.
“The recent surge in admissions is the combination of the Eid week, a traditionally strong period, and some powerful titles,” he says.
“What is incredible is that, in spite of the current situation, Q1 2026 has delivered 98 per cent of the results compared to Q1 2025. If all slated titles had been released, the quarter would have far exceeded year-on-year performance.”
Much of that momentum has been driven by a handful of films. Four titles — Shabab El Bomb 3, Project Hail Mary, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Bershama — delivered 1.6 million admissions during the Eid window alone.
Escapism and resilience
The strong turnout highlights a key dynamic in the region: cinema continues to serve as both entertainment and escape.
“A visit to the movies has always been a ‘must-do’ outing. The sheer joy of being immersed in the cinema experience transports you into the world of the filmmaker; it has always been a form of collective escapism,” Udeshi says.
At the same time, structural factors are reinforcing confidence, particularly in the UAE.
“The way the UAE leadership has ensured safety gives audiences clarity and confidence. Add to that the fact that cinema is a 100 per cent indoor medium and it continues to attract patrons,” he adds.
Exhibitors are also becoming more sophisticated in how they programme content. Operators are tailoring film line-ups and in-theatre experiences to specific catchment areas — from Indian-heavy programming in certain locations to multilingual offerings elsewhere, alongside customised food and beverage options.
Beyond short-term demand, the industry is further seeing a structural reset following Covid-era disruption.
“Cinema proved its resilience and started delivering higher and higher numbers. Our circuit delivered a 12 per cent uptick from 33 million admissions in 2024 to 37 million in 2025,” Udeshi says.
“This has resulted in studios backing more ‘theatre-first’ releases again.”
Audience behaviour is also evolving.
“Instead of achieving targets in a two to three-week window, content is now sustaining admissions over a longer period to deliver better results,” he says. “There is no replacing the big screen experience: even films, as an example Crime 101, already on OTT (over-the-top services) are drawing audiences back into cinemas.”
Looking ahead, a packed global release calendar, anchored by high-profile sequels and franchise films, is expected to sustain momentum through the rest of 2026.
For Udeshi, the direction of travel is clear: cinema in the GCC is not just holding its ground — it is evolving.
- Gulf Business and Motivate Val Morgan are both part of Motivate Media Group.
