We are avid cinema-goers and we were really happy to find out how easy it is to cultivate this passion here in Abu Dhabi! Pretty much every shopping mall contains a multiplex, often with films released even before Europe. Best of all, however, is the fact that cinema tickets are incredibly cheap, even on weekends or holidays.

Abu Dhabi also hosts the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (blog post) and Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival.

Below is a list of the cinemas we tried so far in Abu Dhabi.

• Vox Cinema – inside Marina Mall
• Al Whada Cinema – inside Al Whada Mall
• Novo Cinemas – inside Abu Dhabi Mall, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall and World Trade Centre (blog post)
• Cine Royal – inside Khalidiyah Mall and Dalma Mall
• Al Raha Cinema – inside Al Raha Mall

For those who like to socialize whilst sharing the pop corn, both Meetup and Internations have groups dedicated to film lovers, as well as to those who want to be behind the camera.

If you prefer Japanese anime, gamers and anime fans are welcome to the Abu Dhabi Anime Club.