Once upon a time, there existed a special love affair, and it’s not between individuals but between a nation and film. And the best part, it still exists!
The United Arab Emirates is not all luxury malls and glassy towers. It is much more than that! A place filled with soul. Where everything comes alive in a story on the screen. The fever for the Bollywood cinema hits every little corner.
People here love everything dramatic, whether it’s the glamour in Bollywood or the love of Malayalam cinema. The charm of Sushant Singh Rajput movies to the nostalgia of drive-in cinema, the UAE’s love for Indian cinema is huge.
A Nation in Love With the Big Screen
Weekends hit differently in the UAE. By Friday evenings, families start gathering. Friends plan outings, and screens start lighting up because it’s movie time. And not just in fancy theaters, though there are plenty. Cinemas serve as the temple of emotion in cities like Dubai, Sharjah and the UAE.
There are big screens, recliner seats, and gourmet snacks. Sound systems are wow. They feel so real that they make your heart beat faster. Film is a part of life here. Whether it’s a local Emirati watching an Arabic drama, a foreigner enjoying a Malayalam thriller, or the love of films runs in blood.
Bollywood in the Desert
Just go and ask anyone in the UAE about their favorite movie, and most probably, it will be from Bollywood. From Shah Rukh Khan to Salman Khan and even Deepika Padukone, these names aren’t merely famous, they’re part of the cultural thread here.
Every major Bollywood film releases in the UAE on the same day as in India. Sometimes, even a day earlier and cinemas get filled up. You won’t find a seat here if not book in advance. The reason? It’s not just watching a film. It is a festive occasion where people wear their finest and arrive early to take several selfies with the promos and gossip about the movie all over the weekend.
Bollywood has all the right drama mix. Love stories, family drama, emotional binge watching… and for that, the entire UAE welcomes everyone of them with open arms.
The Blockbuster Malayalam Movies
Indian cinema is not Bollywood only. The Malayalam film industry or Mollywood may not have huge budgets but it wins hearts.
In the UAE, especially among the South Indian community, Malayalam films are worshipped… not just watched.. Movies like Drishyam, Pre bem, Kumbalangi Nights, and 2018 were known as huge worldwide blockbusters, aka global films across borders.
Many multiplexes in Dubai and Sharjah screen Malayalam films across multiple spaces. Some shows sell out even faster than Hollywood premieres. As you would know from many storytellers, language isn’t a barrier for any kind of emotion.
It is a common thing to see a full house of everybody, including the Malayalis, Tamils, and even Arabs, applauding at a well-delivered dialogue or crying during a climactic emotional scene. And the coffee after the film? That’s when deep discussions begin.
A Legacy Of SSR Movies That Lives On
The late Sushant Singh Rajput is still alive in fans’ hearts. They love his movies. SSR wasn’t just an actor. He was a symbol of dreams, of talent and of breaking through without a godfather. In the UAE, his movies still draw attention. His fans here are not only fans, they are fanatical, emotional, and involved in him.
Audience loves SSR movies. Pieces such as Chhichhore, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kai Po Che and Kedarnath still attract viewers.
There’s something deeply inspiring about his journey that UAE people relate to. Maybe it’s a dream…so powerful that it can change lives. UAE itself is a land full of dreamers. The expats working hard, students building futures, entrepreneurs chasing visions… Sushant Singh Rajput’s life resonates with all of them. His work is seen as a mirror of ambition.
The Multiplex Experience
Go into any major mall in the UAE, and there’s a cinema waiting for you. Vox Cinemas, Novo Cinemas and Reel Cinemas. These aren’t just places to watch a film. They are experiences.
Laser projection. Dolby Atmos sound. 4DX seats that move with the action. Private lounges. Snacks and meals are brought to your desk. Seeing a film in the UAE is just like walking into the future.
And the greatest thing? They screen everything.
- Hollywood blockbusters.
- Indie films.
- Korean dramas.
- Arabic tales.
- Bollywood hits.
- Malayalam gems.
- Even Turkish or Japanese movies find space on the big screen here.
The diversity of the audience means that every story has a stage. And the love for cinema is universal.
Drive-In Cinemas
Though indoor cinemas are all over, a new trend from the 80s is catching on. Or maybe an old one is returning… Drive-in cinemas. Watching a film from the comfort of your car. Snacks on your dashboard. City skyline in the background. This is purely nostalgic!
During the pandemic, these drive-ins were a safe haven. But even now, people love the vintage feel. A fusion of retro and modern. The drive-in experience gives movie viewing a particular appeal, whether it’s a nice romantic evening out or a family plan
The Local Cinema
While international films dominate box offices, there’s also a growing voice from within the Emirati film industry. It’s still young but promising. Films like City of Life, The Worthy, Al Kameen, and Scales (Sayidat Al Bahr) are telling local stories in powerful ways. Highlighting Emirati customs, legacy, challenges, and successes.
The UAE government is also funding films from across the world. There are Film festivals, funding programs and training workshops for those who deserve it. The aim of management is to create stories that reflect the soul of the Emirates. And audiences are responding. More and more people are showing interest in locally produced films. There’s pride. There’s curiosity. There’s support.
Streaming the Story
Not every story needs a big screen. The UAE has embraced the streaming revolution with open arms. Household names now include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Zee5, and regional sites Shahid. People see series, seek worldwide material, and keep up with global cinema trends. Here abound devoted followers of anime, Pakistani series, Spanish thrillers, and Kdramas.
Watching a movie is as natural as breathing thanks to smart televisions, mobile apps, and quick internet. But cinema halls still have their charm. The smell of popcorn. The collective gasp during a suspense scene. The applause at the end. That experience can’t be replaced.
Family, Friends, and Films
In the Emirates, movies are not a solo affair. They’re social. Families book tickets together. Friends gather after work. Couples choose it as a date plan. Colleagues catch a weekend show. Even solo watchers often make new friends in cinema lobbies.
Theaters here are more than viewing spaces. They’re memory makers. Laughter shared. Tears wiped. Songs hummed. Dialogues repeated. And yes, selfies taken, lots of them. Especially with life-size cutouts of superheroes or film sets recreated inside the cinema.
Film Festivals and Fan Fairs
The UAE also arranges film festivals and world-wide screenings. These attracting global talent.
- The Sharjah Film Platform,
- Emirates Film Festival
- Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)
- Mutek Dubai
- IFIFF
- GDFF
are not only red carpets and elegant gowns. These festivals are platforms for stories that matter. Documentaries. Social films. Artistic experiments. Hidden masterpieces.
Filmmakers, critics, and fans come together. There are workshops, Q&A sessions, and premieres. It’s a whole new level of film fever.
The Future of Indian Cinema in the UAE
Indeed it is bright!
There are multiplexes opening every other day. The local productions are rising and technology is pushing boundaries. Arab Emirates is set to become a true bollywood cinema hub of the Middle East.
There’s talk of more film schools, production studios, and even full-scale movie cities. Young talents are emerging. Directors with new visions. Writers with bold ideas. Actors waiting for their break. And the audience? Eager, curious, and full of love.
Tips for Movie Buffs in the UAE
- Book Early. Big releases sell out fast. Weekends are rushy. Try weekdays or early morning shows for a calm experience.
- Choose the Right Format. Want effects? Choose IMAX or 4DX. Want comfort? Try VIP or Platinum screens.
- Explore Genres. Don’t just stick to your language. Explore Malayalam, Arabic, Korean, Turkish, etc. You might fall in love with a new genre.
- Check Offers. Most cinemas have apps with discounts, combos, and reward points.
- Look out for limited-edition or special festival movies. They offer unique experiences.
- Visit Film Locations. Some parts of the UAE have hosted international movie shoots like Star Wars in the desert dunes!
What are you Viewing Tonight then?
From the tunes of Malayalam cinema to the energy of Bollywood. Hollywood’s newest science fiction thrillers to Sushant Singh Rajput’s classic grin. The Emirates is a land where film lives, breathes, and connects hearts. Here, you don’t just watch a movie. You feel it, live it, and you remember it.
So grab your popcorn and call your friends. Pick a screen and get ready to be lost in another world. In the Arab Emirates, every night can be a movie night. Every moment can be cinematic. And every person? A star in their own story.
