Full refunds available: Vox's Dubai drive-in cinema to temporarily close

The socially distant movie-watching experience will end when the 8pm curfew is re-introduced in the UAE

The opening night of Vox Cinemas Drive-in at Mall of the Emirates on May 13. Reem Mohammed / The National

In the past week, drive-in cinemas have made a comeback in the UAE, with Vox Cinemas Drive-in opening to the public on Sunday, May 17 with nightly movie screenings.

However, following the announcement that the UAE's disinfection campaign will now take place from 8pm to 6am from Wednesday, May 20, until further notice, the newly launched cinemas will close.

"In adherence with the government's updated curfew extension in the UAE, Vox Cinemas Drive-in at Mall of the Emirates will be temporarily closed from Wednesday, May 20," a spokesperson for Vox Cinemas told The National.

What if you bought tickets for a drive-in movie this week?

Vox Cinema had pre-sold tickets for drive-in movies until early next week, with entry costing Dh189 per car, with two people per car allowed in. The price includes caramel popcorn, salted popcorn, nachos, M&Ms, soft drinks and water.

All customers will now be contacted and given a full refund.

"We have contacted all customers who advance booked and initiated a full refund," the spokesperson added. "We wait patiently for the return of Drive-in, and until then we ask everyone to follow all government guidance, and please stay safe."

As per the announcement on Monday, May 19, UAE malls will be able to open from 9am to 7pm with precautionary measures, starting Wednesday. After Eid, there will be new mall timings.

The drive-in cinema was following strict social distancing protocol. When open, the capacity of the cinema is limited to 75 cars, with a maximum of two people allowed in each vehicle.

In line with government regulations, individuals above the age of 60 and children between 3 and 12 years of age are not permitted to access the mall and the drive-in cinema.