Outdoor cinemas in UAE mark the start of cooler days and open-air evenings. Each year, as temperatures fall, rooftops, beaches and parks across the Emirates are transformed into seasonal gathering spots for film lovers. The 2025–26 season brings a mix of family movie nights, arthouse screenings and community events, creating spaces where cinema meets atmosphere.
Whether you are reclining in a private cabana in Dubai, sitting on the grass in Abu Dhabi or joining a film festival crowd in Sharjah, these alfresco venues make the most of winter in the city. Each one offers a distinct experience that blends film, setting and community, capturing the essence of the UAE’s winter season.
Dubai
VOX Moonlight, Galleria Mall
At the Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road, VOX Moonlight delivers a refined take on open-air cinema. Guests can choose between beanbags, couches or private cabanas, with food and drinks delivered directly to their seats. Operating nightly throughout winter, it remains one of Dubai’s most established outdoor experiences, combining comfort and skyline views in equal measure.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, Dubai
- 🎬 Highlight: Rooftop screenings with cabana seating and in-seat dining
- ✨ Ambience: Upscale, intimate, city views
Cinema Akil at 25hours Hotel One Central
Cinema Akil brings its independent spirit to the 25hours Hotel at One Central. The pop-up screens cult classics and festival favourites every evening except Monday, drawing a community of creatives and film enthusiasts. Its October reopening signals the start of a new season for Dubai’s art-minded audience, offering a relaxed yet curated cinematic escape.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: 25hours Hotel One Central, Dubai
- 🎬 Highlight: Independent films and cult classics
- ✨ Ambience: Art-led, relaxed, creative
Reel Cinemas Drive-in at Dubai Mall
The drive-in experience at Reel Cinemas brings a nostalgic twist to modern moviegoing. Park up with skyline views of Downtown Dubai and enjoy the latest blockbusters from the comfort of your car. Tickets are priced per vehicle and include snacks, creating a private yet cinematic escape within the heart of the city.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Dubai Mall Zabeel Extension, Downtown Dubai
- 🎬 Highlight: Drive-in experience with skyline views
- ✨ Ambience: Nostalgic, private, urban
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park – Cinema in the Park
Umm Al Emarat Park’s Cinema in the Park returns each weekend from October to March. Screenings begin at 6pm and are included in the AED 10 park entry fee. The selection features family-friendly films in a relaxed, green setting that has become a winter tradition for Abu Dhabi residents.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi
- 🎬 Highlight: Weekend outdoor screenings through winter
- ✨ Ambience: Relaxed, family-oriented, outdoorsy
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Art in Motion Screenings
The Art in Motion series at the Louvre Abu Dhabi blends cinema and culture. Held in the museum’s courtyard, the screenings relate to current exhibitions and collections, allowing visitors to experience films through an artistic lens. Admission is free but advance booking is required.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
- 🎬 Highlight: Art-inspired screenings linked to exhibitions
- ✨ Ambience: Cultural, reflective, elegant
louvreabudhabi.ae, @louvreabudhabi
Sharjah
Sharjah Film Platform – Mirage City Cinema
Organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation, the annual Sharjah Film Platform brings independent cinema to the forefront. The ten-day event takes place in November at Mirage City Cinema, featuring regional and international films in an open-air setting. It offers a rare opportunity to engage with art-house filmmaking within a cultural community space.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Mirage City Cinema, Sharjah Art Foundation
- 🎬 Highlight: Independent film festival screenings
- ✨ Ambience: Cultural, creative, community-focused
Umm Al Quwain
Flote Cinema
Reopening in November, Flote Cinema in Umm Al Quwain offers one of the UAE’s most distinctive viewing experiences. Guests watch films from floating platforms or kayaks on calm waters, surrounded by string lights and the natural quiet of the lagoon. It is an inventive concept that captures the spirit of winter cinema in the Emirates.
Quick Summary:
- 📍 Location: Umm Al Quwain, UAE
- 🎬 Highlight: Floating cinema experience on the water
- ✨ Ambience: Unique, tranquil, atmospheric
