Dubai: Films look set to debut on Thursdays in future after the UAE's two cinema companies said they were likely to change release dates to fit in with the Friday-Saturday weekend.

Gulf Film said it would make the change if it was confirmed that schools and most government departments were altering the days of their weekend.

Likewise, Cinestar is also looking at moving to Thursday release dates, although the company warned cinemas could become more crowded on weekends if the change went ahead.

A leading film distributor told Gulf News that the switch over from Wednesday to Thursday would probably take place in the last weekend in August. Exhibitors and distributors have said that a move to Thursday release dates is likely but not yet confirmed.

Box offices to capitalise on shift

  • Currently, films are released on Wednesday to maximise box office receipts from those who take Thursday and Friday as their weekend.
  • With the new weekend, Thursday will now be the best release date for new films since people will be keen to go out in the evening.
Survey of residents
 
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Beach
8%
67%
25%
Club
14
79
7
Bar
40
45
15
Out of Dubai
8
62
31
Essential shopping
14
29
57
Recreational shopping
15
15
69
Fun activities
0
50
50
Housework
10
40
50
Sports/gym
0
50
50
Family
0
83
17
Cinema
8
28
64