Black Panther is likely to be the first movie shown in Saudi Arabian cinemas after 35 years. The decade-long ban on cinemas was lifted by the government a few months back. AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. will open country’s first movie theater later this month.
Saudi Arabia had some cinemas in the 1970s but its powerful clerics closed them. The ban has been lifted as a part of the economic and social reforms pushed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2017. He is currently touring the US seeking investments to broaden the economy and lessen its dependence on oil.
The first cinema, likely to be located in the King Abdullah financial district, will have about 500 leather seats, orchestra and balcony levels. The number of screens will be increased over time. Saudi Arabia wants to set up around 350 cinemas with over 2,500 screens by 2030.