Drive-in Riyadh cinema Saudi
Handout picture released by the Riyadh region municipality of the first drive-in cinema in Riyadh. Image Credit: Supplied

Cairo: The first drive-in cinema in the Saudi capital Riyadh has made its debut, promising a unique entertainment experience for movie-goers amid strict measures against COVID-19.

The facility was launched by the Riyadh region municipality featuring three showings per day. The drive-in cinema, accommodating 150 cars at one time, is part of the “Riyadh Ray” activity.

“The event is a new concept for watching Arab and foreign films in an appropriate atmosphere,” spokesman for the event Hassan Al Qarni told Saudi television MBC.

Some movie-goers described the experience as exceptional and enjoyable especially in Riyadh winter.

The cinema features the latest releases of Arabic, Hollywood and Bollywood films.

The event is held in cooperation with Muvi Cinema and licenced by the General Entertainment Authority, the state agency in charge of entertainment activities in Saudi Arabia.

Traditional cinema houses are already available in several Saudi cities.

In April 2018, Saudi Arabia reopened cinemas for the first time in over 35 years, as part of the kingdom’s efforts to promote its entertainment activities and diversify its oil-dependent economy.