Saudi Arabia to screen 'Black Panther' in first cinema after decades

After nearly three decades, Saudi Arabia will open its first cinema on April 18 in Riyadh and 'Black Panther' will be the first movie that will be screened.

According to Reuters, a source revealed that Marvel’s 'Black Panther' will be the first movie to be screened. Like most places in Saudi Arabia, the cinemas will not be segregated by gender.

Information Minister Awwad Alawwad was quoted saying, "The Saudi market is very large, with the majority of the population...eager to watch their favourite films here at home."

The Saudi officials  along with opening the cinema have also agreed with AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC.N) to open up to 40 theatres over the next five years. Last year in December, the Saudi government had said that it would lift a 35-year ban on cinemas and allow films to be screened as early as next year (2018).

Even though the Saudi Arabians have no cinemas, they watch Hollywood films and recent television series at their homes.

In a first, Saudi Arabia allows women to join army but on conditions

In an interview, AMC Chief Executive Adam Aron revealed that the main theater will have about 500 leather seats, orchestra and balcony levels and marble bathrooms. “We think it’s going to be the prettiest movie theater in the world. It’s a dramatic building.”

In the 1970s, Saudi Arabia had some cinemas but reflecting rising Islamist influence throughout the Arab region at the time, the country’s powerful clerics closed them.

In February, in another reform under Vision 2030 by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud, the country permitted its women to apply in the army for the rank of soldiers.