Page 13 - June 2021

middle east news inbrief

DUBAI REVEALS GROWTH PLAN AS

DIFC INNOVATION HUB OPENS ROLEX ADDS NEW BOUTIQUE
The new unit is situated at The Galleria Al
Maryah Island and offers a comprehensive
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rolex experience. Inside the showroom, clients
Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai are invited to sit at the ‘watchbar’, various
and president of the Dubai International seating areas, or in the VIP room, where they
Financial Centre (DIFC), recently opened can view the extensive collection of the world’s
the DIFC Innovation Hub, with plans also finest timepieces in total privacy.
revealed for rapid growth.
The new initiative will be seeking to spur
transformational innovation along with LA PETITE MAISON EXPANDS
entrepreneurship in the FinTech sector and Riyadh is to be home to La Petite Maison’s sixth
is part of the new Dubai Future District location, following London, Dubai, Miami, Abu
announced in January 2020. Dhabi and Hong Kong. The new restaurant will
Sheikh Maktoum said: “The boast both French and Italian infleunces and
establishment of the DIFC Innovation each of the over 70 dishes have been sampled
Hub is a key initiative aimed at generating to ensure they are full of intricate flavours.
new economic value by fostering the
development of innovation, enterprise and
talent across sectors, especially in future- US BRAND EYES SAUDI DEBUT
oriented industries.” New Orleans-born with 3,400 locations to
date, Popeyes has inked an agreement with Gulf
AMC CINEMAS OPENS NEW NINE- First Fast Food Company to develop and grow
the brand in Saudi Arabia. Gulf first said it has
SCREEN CINEMA IN JEDDAH entered into an exclusive master franchise and
development agreement for the territory.

The cinema, which is situated at Jeddah’s new experiences that suits the tastes of
Stars Avenue shopping mall, marks the different audiences. ZOOM LAUNCHES DRIVE-THRU
company’s ninth location in Saudi Arabia. CEO, Andrew Such, commented on The UAE’s home-grown convenience store,
The new AMC Stars Avenue 9 cinema the opening: “We pride ourselves on Zoom, has introduced its first drive-thru service
boasts a grand total of 755 seats across offering industry-leading, state-of-the-art in a pilot project in Dubai. The first drive-thru
nine auditoriums. Eight luxury screens are technology in luxurious surroundings for service will pilot at ENOC’s service station
complete with 4K Barco Laser projectors, an exceptional movie-going experience. We located at Al Aweer, with plans to introduce the
surround sound, and Luxe Recliner and Plush want a visit to AMC Cinemas to be nothing concept in more in the coming months.
Rocker seating throughout. The location short of memorable. By offering the latest
also houses an immersive IMAX with Laser international advances in cinema enjoyment,
experience that provides customers with we continue to support the Kingdom’s CAR RACE COMES TO THE UAE
heightened realism and an optimal movie- 2030 Vision which focuses on improving the The inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience UA2
going experience. entertainment sector. By offering the latest 2021 comes to the Emirates in December
This latest opening in Jeddah is a part international advances in cinema enjoyment amidst expectations that the country is the
of AMC Cinemas’ expansion plan, whose we continue to support the Kingdom’s fastest growing destination for winter classic
goal it is to reach a significant audience 2030 Vision, which focuses on improving car activities. The race, known as ‘the most
in Saudi Arabia, a goal that is in-line the entertainment sector. This is a vitally beautiful race in the world’, will take place for
with the government’s plans to diversity important part of the Kingdom’s Quality of first time in the Middle East from 5-9 December,
entertainment content, as well as providing Life Program and motivates us.” when the cool weather will attract visitors.

JUNE 2021 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL 15