Latest news with #IgnaceLahoud
Muscat Daily
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
VOX Cinemas unveils powerful brand video celebrating its role in the magic of movies
Dubai – Just weeks after launching the world's most stunning IMAX screen, VOX Cinemas, the Middle East's largest and most innovative cinema exhibitor, has released its latest brand video, 'Fall in Love with Film'—a moving cinematic story that captures the emotional power of moviegoing and the meaningful role VOX plays in people's lives across the region. More than just a tribute to cinema, the brand video celebrates how VOX Cinemas has become the setting for countless personal milestones—family outings, friendships, and nostalgic returns. It tells the story of one boy's journey through life, anchored in moments spent at VOX Cinemas, where movie nights become something magical. 'At VOX Cinemas, we've been leading the evolution of the cinema experience and the quality offered not just in the region, but on a global scale,' said Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Entertainment. 'But the true heart of our story is our customers. For years, they've trusted VOX as the place where memories are made—where laughter, love, and even quiet reflection come to life. This brand video is a tribute to that relationship. We set out to create something that reflects this emotional connection—and through the story, visuals, and Hans Zimmer's unforgettable score, we believe we've done just that.' VOX Cinemas has been shaping unforgettable moviegoing experiences across the Middle East for 25 years, becoming a cornerstone of people's most cherished moments. Though VOX may not have operated in every country for the same amount of time, the brand's emotional connection transcends borders. Many customers across the Middle East remember visiting VOX Cinemas while traveling or on holiday, experiencing the same sense of joy, comfort, and wonder. These moments are not just about watching movies—they're about experiencing something special, together. And that experience continues to evolve. At VOX, every visit feels like your first. Whether it's a new cinematic concept, exclusive content, gourmet dining, or immersive technology, VOX continues to push the boundaries and define what entertainment means in the region. It's not just about going to the movies—it's about creating a moment that stays with you. An essential part of bringing the brand video to life was the music. To match the emotional depth of the visuals, VOX partnered with legendary composer Hans Zimmer, whose original score amplifies the story's emotional arc—from childhood wonder to the nostalgia of shared family traditions. 'We wanted a sound that was cinematic at its core, but unmistakably VOX,' said Hans Zimmer. 'Arabic instruments, Hollywood orchestration, and those unforgettable 90s sounds come together to tell a story that's emotional, timeless, and true to the region. VOX has truly pioneered the cinema experience in the Middle East—a region that is very close to my heart—and I wanted to reflect the role they've played in shaping people's most cherished memories.' Zimmer's original score blends cinematic strings, electric and bass guitars, drums, iconic 90s synths, and a unique fusion of Hollywood-style orchestration with Arabic instruments. The result is a powerful and deeply resonant soundscape that heightens every emotion in the film—from awe and anticipation to nostalgia and love. 'Fall in Love with Film' is more than a campaign—it's a celebration of the role VOX Cinemas continues to play in people's lives. As the brand looks to the future, it remains committed to pushing boundaries, leading innovation, and creating unforgettable moments for generations to come. Here is the link to the video:
Arabian Business
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Business
VOX Cinemas launches new IMAX experience in Dubai with premium seating in world's first
VOX Cinemas, operated by Majid Al Futtaim, has unveiled what they describe as the world's most advanced IMAX theatre at Mall of the Emirates, featuring the first-ever integration of Ōma Cinema® premium pod seating within an IMAX auditorium. The new cinema boasts IMAX's 4K Laser Projection System with proprietary optical engine technology, delivering high-resolution images with enhanced brightness and contrast. The Next-Generation IMAX Precision Sound system distributes audio evenly throughout the custom-built auditorium, the company said in a statement. Dubai's VOX Cinemas introduces tiered pod seating in revolutionary IMAX theatre 'In 2015, VOX Cinemas launched what was considered the best cinema in the world at Mall of the Emirates. Ten years on, we're redefining the cinema experience once again to offer our guests something so exceptional, they'll want to leave their sofa and experience the magic of cinema like never before. We're proud to offer what we believe is the best IMAX screen in the world. But this is just the beginning. We're committed to enhancing every aspect of our flagship cinema, with the next phase focusing on the Kids Cinema and social areas. Our ongoing transformation at Mall of the Emirates is meticulously designed to serve our guests, while enhancing this world-class entertainment destination,' Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment said. The theatre incorporates seven exclusive pods designed by Ōma Cinema® under French architect Pierre Chican's direction. These 'THEATRE pods' feature a tiered balcony arrangement that positions viewers closer to the screen in a vertical layout. Each pod accommodates five guests and includes VOX's THEATRE luxury amenities—reclining seats, pillows, blankets, and waiter service delivering items from a curated menu. 'World-class, flagship locations like The Mall of Emirates in Dubai showcase the strength of IMAX's fast-growing presence in the Middle East and our commitment to delivering the best possible moviegoing experience to audiences across the region. IMAX is excited to deepen its partnership with Vox Cinemas and reintroduce The Mall of Emirates on the verge of a very promising blockbuster season, and amidst one of our best years ever at the global box office,' Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX added. The IMAX launch represents a phase in VOX Cinemas' ongoing transformation of its Mall of the Emirates location. Previous upgrades include the THEATRE luxury concept and the conversion of Standard screens to Premier, featuring leather gliders or reclining seats paired with laser projectors. Future renovations will focus on the KIDS cinema and social areas. Films screened at the new IMAX theatre undergo digital remastering using IMAX DMR® technology to enhance visual and audio elements frame-by-frame.
Broadcast Pro
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Vox Cinemas unveils IMAX experience at Mall of the Emirates
Now open at Vox Cinemas Mall of the Emirates, the new IMAX features premium theatre style pod seating, designed by Ōma Cinema. Vox Cinemas, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim, has launched what it calls the world's most innovative IMAX experience, setting a new global benchmark for immersive and luxurious moviegoing. The unveiling of the IMAX theatre at Mall of the Emirates marks a major milestone in VOX Cinemas' ongoing transformation initiative. At the heart of this state-of-the-art offering is the Ōma Cinema premium pod seating, a patented design making its regional debut. Developed by French architect Pierre Chican, the pod-style seating structure mimics the tiered balconies of classic theatres, creating a more intimate and vertically elevated viewing experience. Each of the seven exclusive pods seats five guests and offers a private lounge atmosphere, complete with Vox's luxury 'THEATRE' service — including reclining seats, pillows, blankets and gourmet food delivered to guests' seats. The new IMAX theatre is powered by IMAX's latest 4K Laser Projection System. The system features a proprietary optical engine and advanced precision sound, promising visuals with deeper contrast, sharper resolution and evenly distributed, high-fidelity audio. Films are digitally re-mastered using IMAX's DMR technology. The auditorium's stadium-style layout ensures optimal views from every seat, while IMAX-designed screens enhance brightness and clarity. The pods also include access to the exclusive THEATRE Lounge, where guests can relax before or after their screening. Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said: 'In 2015, Vox Cinemas launched what was considered the best cinema in the world at Mall of the Emirates. Ten years on, we're redefining the cinema experience once again to offer our guests something so exceptional, that they'll want to leave their sofa and experience the magic of cinema like never before. We're proud to offer what we believe is the best IMAX screen in the world. But this is just the beginning. We're committed to enhancing every aspect of our flagship cinema, with the next phase focusing on the Kids Cinema and social areas. Our ongoing transformation at Mall of the Emirates is meticulously designed to serve our guests, while enhancing this world-class entertainment destination.' Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, added: 'World-class, flagship locations like The Mall of Emirates in Dubai showcase the strength of IMAX's fast-growing presence in the Middle East and our commitment to delivering the best possible moviegoing experience to audiences across the region. IMAX is excited to deepen its partnership with Vox Cinemas and reintroduce The Mall of Emirates on the verge of a very promising blockbuster season, and amidst one of our best years ever at the global box office.' The IMAX launch is part of Vox Cinemas' wider phased upgrades at Mall of the Emirates. Recent enhancements include the introduction of THEATRE, featuring luxury amenities and private lounges, and the upgrade of its Standard experience to Premier, with reclining leather seats, tray tables and cutting-edge laser projectors. Next in line for renovation are the KIDS cinema and social areas, which will cater to young audiences and families with vibrant, family-friendly screening spaces and adjacent party rooms.
Hi Dubai
10-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
MAF Entertainment Empowers Three MENA Teams to Compete at 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games
Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment is breaking barriers and making history at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, empowering athletes across the MENA region to compete at the highest level. Through its Ski and Snow portfolio, Majid Al Futtaim has trained and developed 10 Special Olympics teams representing the UAE, Oman, and Egypt, fostering inclusion and excellence in winter sports. Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment said: 'The Special Olympics is a powerful movement that unites people through the love of sport. Our athletes from the UAE, Oman, and Egypt are a true inspiration, showcasing perseverance, passion, and the drive to defy limits. We are incredibly proud of them and cheering them all the way as they shine on a global stage.' Before taking flight to Turin, more than 20 athletes dedicated over 170 training hours at Ski Dubai, Snow Abu Dhabi, Ski Egypt, and Snow Oman. They now join 1,500 athletes from 100 nations competing in eight winter sports categories from March 8-15, 2025. This marks the first Special Olympics Winter Games in nearly a decade, and the UAE delegation stands out as the largest from the Middle East, competing in six disciplines: Snowshoeing, Cross-country skiing, Figure skating, Alpine skiing, Short-track speed skating and Snowboarding. A Legacy of Inclusion and Innovation The journey to Turin started in October 2023, when Ski Dubai introduced a comprehensive Snow Sport Team Development Strategy to Special Olympics UAE. Designed to prepare athletes for global competition and ensure long-term sustainability, the strategy was so successful that it was expanded across Ski Dubai, Snow Abu Dhabi, Ski Egypt, and Snow Oman, resulting in the formation of nine snow sport teams and one ice sport team. Building on Abu Dhabi's historic hosting of the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment continues to redefine inclusion in sports. By opening doors to winter sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities, it proves that with opportunity, belief, and the right support, anything is possible. Majid Al Futtaim has been a pioneer in indoor snow entertainment since launching Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates in 2005. The success continued with the opening of Ski Egypt (2017, Africa's first indoor snow destination and Snow Oman (2022), the region's latest state-of-the-art snow park. Snow Abu Dhabi joined the Ski and Snow portfolio family in 2023, reinforcing Majid Al Futtaim's reputation as the world's leading brand in indoor snow entertainment. As these athletes step onto the world stage, they carry with them the dreams of a region, the support of a community, and the belief that barriers are meant to be broken. News Source: Majid Al Futtaim
