Dubai: Young patients at Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital were able to enjoy the first in-hospital movie experience in the UAE on Tuesday.
The initiative, dedicated to the young patients who can’t make it to the cinemas during their stay at the hospital, showcased the third film of the franchise Roxy Cinemas, the premiere of ‘Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation.’ Patients gathered at the hospital’s auditorium, which was recently renamed ‘Hollywood Boulevard’.
Two of the main characters in the movie, ‘Drac’ and ‘Ericka,’ also surprised the young patients with a visit for a meet-and-greet experience, giving away goodie bags for all.
“We had planned the whole event to entertain our inpatients, but then we extended the invite to include our outpatient clinic visitors. We had a lot of movie fans between the age of three and 11 years who attended along with their parents,” Dr Mohammad Al Awadi, chief operating officer of Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital, told Gulf News.
He pointed out that while the initiative was a one-time event, the positive impact it had on young patients could lead to further cooperation with Roxy Cinemas.
“This step comes in line with our strong belief that children with health challenges have the right to live a normal childhood like all their peers. By hosting this fun-filled experience, we are being true to the hospital’s slogan — ‘A Place Where I Can Be A Child’ — and ensuring that emotional and moral treatment goes parallel with our world-class paediatric health care, which contributes to a faster recovery process,” added Dr Al Awadi.
During the event, young attendants were treated to a full-fledged red carpet reception with ‘paparazzi’ taking their pictures. Every child was also handed a box of gluten-free popcorn and organic juice to enjoy during the movie.
“Roxy Cinemas are pleased to partner with Al Jalila Children’s to brighten the day of young patients. Children deserve to be children and if they can’t come to the cinema, we are more than happy to bring the cinema to them,” said Andrew Keeling, general manager, Entertainment Zone, Leisure and Entertainment at Meraas.
