How to rent a private cinema room for events in UAE?

Ever imagined ditching the crowded multiplex for an exclusive cinematic experience, where you and your chosen guests can enjoy a blockbuster or a personal favorite on the big screen, all to yourselves, right here in the UAE? The United Arab Emirates, known for its penchant for luxury and innovation, offers a growing trend of private cinema rentals, providing an unparalleled way to enjoy movies, host intimate gatherings, or even present corporate content in a truly unique setting. We’re delighted to guide you through the exciting options available to make your private screening a reality.

The Allure of Private Cinema Experiences

Renting a private cinema goes far beyond simply watching a film; it transforms the entire viewing experience into an exclusive event. Imagine celebrating a birthday with a personalized movie marathon, hosting a memorable anniversary screening of “your song,” or conducting a high-impact corporate presentation without external distractions. These private venues offer plush seating, state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, and often bespoke catering services, elevating a simple movie night into a luxurious and intimate affair. It’s a perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and cutting-edge entertainment, aligning perfectly with the UAE’s reputation for providing premium experiences.

Leading Private Cinema Rental Options in Dubai

Dubai, with its focus on luxury and unique entertainment, boasts several fantastic venues where you can rent a private cinema.

Roxy Cinemas (Various Locations): Roxy Cinemas is a prominent player in the UAE’s cinema scene and offers exceptional private screening experiences. They often have dedicated screens that can be booked for exclusive use.

• Platinum and Gold Experience: Their “Platinum” and “Gold” experiences are particularly well-suited for private hire, featuring luxurious reclining seats, gourmet food and beverage service delivered to your seat, and a more intimate setting.
• Customization: You can typically choose from current blockbusters or arrange for a specific movie screening (subject to licensing). They also offer options for corporate events, product launches, or private celebrations.
• Key Locations: Look for Roxy Cinemas at City Walk, Boxpark, The Beach (JBR), and La Mer. Each location offers a slightly different ambiance but maintains the high standard of the Roxy brand. It’s advisable to contact their corporate or events team directly for private booking inquiries.

Reel Cinemas (Various Locations): Another major cinema chain, Reel Cinemas, provides several luxurious options for private bookings.

• Platinum Suites and Dine-in Cinema: Their Platinum Suites at locations like The Dubai Mall offer ultra-comfortable seating and an exclusive lounge area. The Dine-in Cinema concept, available at destinations such as The Dubai Mall and Jebel Ali Recreation Club, allows for a full meal service during your movie, perfect for private gatherings.
• The Screen: The Screen at The Dubai Mall, with its luxurious amenities, is specifically designed for a premium experience and is often available for private hire. It offers a more opulent setting than a standard cinema hall.
• Booking: For private rentals, you’ll need to reach out to the events or corporate bookings department of Reel Cinemas. They can provide details on available screens, seating capacities, and catering options.

VOX Cinemas (Various Locations): VOX Cinemas, one of the region’s largest cinema operators, also offers private cinema experiences, particularly through their premium concepts.

• Theatre by Rhodes and GOLD: Their “Theatre by Rhodes” (a collaboration with celebrity chef Gary Rhodes) and “GOLD by Rhodes” concepts combine luxury seating with gourmet food and beverage service, making them ideal for private events.
• Private Screening Rooms: At some of their larger locations, such as Mall of the Emirates or City Centre Mirdif, VOX Cinemas may have dedicated private screening rooms that can be booked.
• Event Services: VOX Cinemas has a dedicated events team that can assist with planning your private screening, including movie selection, catering, and even red-carpet experiences for a truly grand event.

Cine Royal Cinema (Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi): While not in Dubai, it’s worth noting for those in Abu Dhabi. Cine Royal in Dalma Mall often offers private screening options, particularly for their VIP or premium halls, catering to smaller, more intimate gatherings.

Beyond Traditional Cinemas: Unique Private Screening Venues

The UAE’s innovation extends to unique spaces that can be transformed into private cinemas.

Luxury Hotels with Private Screening Rooms: Many high-end hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi now feature dedicated private screening rooms or can convert conference rooms into elegant cinematic spaces.

• Address Downtown: Known for its stunning views, some Address hotels, including the Downtown location, have sophisticated private rooms that can be equipped for movie screenings, often with exclusive catering.
• The Bulgari Resort Dubai: While a very luxurious option, high-end resorts like Bulgari might offer bespoke experiences, including private movie nights for their guests in a tailored setting.
• Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): Business hotels often have state-of-the-art auditoriums or large meeting rooms that can be configured for a private movie screening, complete with comfortable seating and advanced AV equipment, ideal for a corporate film launch or a large private party.

Event Spaces and Villas:

• Some high-end event venues or luxury villas with dedicated home cinema rooms can be rented for private screenings. These offer complete privacy and the flexibility to customize the entire experience, from decor to catering.
• Example: While not specific names, searching for “luxury villa rental with home cinema Dubai” or “event spaces with private screening rooms Abu Dhabi” can yield results. These options give you the most control over the entire event, including external catering if permitted.

Key Considerations for Organizing Your Private Cinema Experience

Planning a private cinema rental requires careful thought to ensure a seamless and unforgettable event.

1. Budget Considerations (Approximate Costs): The cost of renting a private cinema in the UAE can vary significantly based on the venue, the number of guests, the duration, the movie choice, and the level of catering and additional services.

• Basic Screening (Small Group): For a few hours in a standard private screen, expect costs to be approximately AED 1,000 to AED 3,000.
• Premium Experience (Luxury Seating, Food Service): For a more luxurious experience with plush seating and in-seat dining, the cost could range from approximately AED 3,000 to AED 10,000 or more, depending on the number of guests and the extent of the food and beverage package.
• Exclusive Hotel Venues or Large Events: For very high-end hotel screening rooms or large corporate events, costs can easily exceed AED 10,000, depending on customization. Remember, these are approximate figures, and it’s essential to get a direct quote from your chosen venue.

2. Number of Guests and Seating Capacity:

• Private screens range in size. Some might accommodate just 10-20 people in plush recliners, while others could hold 50-100 in a more conventional theatre setup. Always confirm the exact seating capacity of the specific screen you are considering.

3. Movie Selection and Licensing:

• Current Blockbusters: Most commercial cinemas will allow you to screen any movie currently showing in their general release.
• Older Films/Personal Content: If you wish to screen an older film, a classic, or even personal content (like a wedding video or corporate presentation), you will need to discuss this directly with the venue. There might be licensing fees involved for older commercial films, and the venue will need to ensure they have the technical capability to play your specific content. Always clarify copyright and licensing rules.

4. Food and Beverage Options:

• In-Seat Dining: Many premium private cinemas offer a full menu with a range of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages delivered to your seat.
• Custom Catering: For corporate events or larger private parties, venues can often arrange custom catering, including buffets, canapés, or specific culinary themes.
• External Catering: If you’re renting a non-cinema event space, you might have the flexibility to bring in external caterers, but always confirm this with the venue first, as many have exclusive catering partnerships.

5. Additional Amenities and Customization:

• Microphone and Podium: For corporate presentations or speeches, inquire about microphone access and projection capabilities for slides.
• Decorations: For birthdays or celebrations, ask if you’re allowed to bring in decorations.
• Theme: You might be able to coordinate a theme with the cinema’s staff, especially for children’s parties.

The www.few.ae team believes that renting a private cinema in the UAE is an ultimate indulgence, offering a truly bespoke entertainment experience. It’s a perfect way to celebrate, collaborate, or simply escape into the magic of movies in unparalleled privacy and comfort.