An IMAX cinema in Dubai offers more than a bigger screen. It is about sharper visuals, immersive sound, and formats designed for blockbuster storytelling. As Dubai’s entertainment scene keeps evolving into 2025 and 2026, IMAX locations across the city have upgraded technology, premium seating, and varied viewing experiences.
In this guide, know everything about:
- IMAX cinemas currently operating in Dubai
- What to know before visiting an IMAX cinema in Dubai
- Summary table: IMAX Cinema in Dubai comparison
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
IMAX cinemas currently operating in Dubai
Dubai has a mix of laser-based IMAX screens and premium IMAX formats focused on comfort. These venues are spread across major malls and entertainment destinations, making them accessible from most residential communities.
1. VOX Cinemas Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha 1 hosts what is widely regarded as the most advanced IMAX cinema in Dubai. The VOX IMAX here features dual 4K laser projection, enhanced surround sound, and private Theatre Pods with in-seat service. It is positioned as a flagship experience rather than a standard multiplex screen.
This location often comes up in broader discussions around cinema experiences across the city because it sets the benchmark for premium movie-going in Dubai.
Location
Mall of Emirates, Level 2, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact
Phone: +971600599905
2. Novo Cinemas IMG Worlds of Adventure
Located inside IMG Worlds of Adventure on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, this IMAX screen is known for its sheer scale. It features IMAX with Laser projection and remains the largest IMAX screen in Dubai, measuring approximately 24.4 metres by 13.8 metres with around 360 seats.
It is especially popular for effects-heavy films where scale and brightness matter more than luxury seating. This venue is part of the wider Novo cinema network in Dubai and continues to attract moviegoers from across the city despite being outside a traditional mall setting.
Location
Wadi Al Safa 4, City of Arabia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact
Phone: +97144038888
3. VOX Cinemas Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall offers an upgraded IMAX experience under the VOX Cinemas brand. The screen has been enhanced with 4K laser projection, delivering noticeably better brightness and contrast compared to older digital IMAX formats.
While the hall is smaller than IMG Worlds or Mall of the Emirates, it remains a convenient option for residents in Festival City, Al Garhoud, and surrounding areas who want IMAX visuals without travelling far.
Location
Al Kheeran, Dubai Festival City, Floor 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. VOX Cinemas City Centre Deira
City Centre Deira caters to moviegoers who prioritise comfort over technical extremes. The IMAX Sapphire format here focuses on premium seating, added legroom, and a more relaxed viewing environment. While it may not use the most advanced laser projection, it delivers a refined experience suitable for long films.
Location
City Centre Metro Bus Stop 1-3, Port Saeed, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact
Phone: +971600599905
5. VOX Cinemas City Centre Mirdif
City Centre Mirdif serves suburban communities in eastern Dubai and offers an IMAX Sapphire or IMAX MAX format, depending on the screening. The emphasis here is on reclining seats, space, and ease of access rather than cutting-edge projection.
It is a popular choice for families and residents who want a premium cinema experience without heading to central Dubai.
Location
City Centre Mirdif Level 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact
Phone: +971600599905
What to know before visiting an IMAX cinema in Dubai
Before booking tickets, it helps to understand how IMAX formats differ. Not every IMAX-branded screen delivers the same technical experience.
IMAX terminology and technology
- IMAX with Laser: IMAX with Laser refers to theatres using laser projection systems that deliver brighter images, deeper contrast, and improved colour accuracy. These are typically found at the Mall of the Emirates and IMG Worlds.
- IMAX Sapphire: IMAX Sapphire focuses more on comfort than technology. Expect premium seating, quieter halls, and enhanced audio, but not always laser projection.
- Standard or digital IMAX: Standard or digital IMAX uses older projection systems and offers a step up from regular screens, though without the full impact of laser-based formats.
Tips for choosing the best IMAX
- Picture quality matters most if you care about visual precision, making laser-based venues the top choice.
- Comfort-focused viewers may prefer Sapphire formats, especially for longer films.
- Screen size also plays a role, as smaller IMAX halls can feel less immersive even with good projection.
- Checking showtimes and screen details through official cinema apps is always advisable, as some formats are upgraded while others may be temporarily unavailable.
Summary table: IMAX Cinema in Dubai comparison
| Location | Laser projection | Premium seating or pods | Size or seat capacity |
| Mall of the Emirates | Yes, dual laser | Yes, Theatre Pods | Medium to large, feature-rich |
| IMG Worlds of Adventure | Yes | No | Largest in Dubai, around 360 seats |
| Festival City Mall | Yes, upgraded | No | Smaller hall |
| City Centre Deira | Likely standard | Yes | Large auditorium, comfort-led |
| City Centre Mirdif | Likely standard | Yes | Large suburban cinema |
Key takeaways
Dubai has several IMAX cinemas operating as of early 2026, spread across major malls and entertainment destinations. Laser-based IMAX screens at Mall of the Emirates and IMG Worlds deliver the strongest visual performance. Other locations focus on comfort and accessibility rather than pure scale or brightness. As formats evolve and locations change, understanding what each IMAX label represents helps ensure the experience matches expectations.
FAQs
Dubai has five active IMAX theatres as of early 2026.
Mall of the Emirates and IMG Worlds stand out due to IMAX with Laser projection, offering superior brightness and clarity.
IMAX with Laser focuses on advanced projection technology, while IMAX Sapphire prioritises premium seating and comfort, sometimes using standard digital projection.
Yes. City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif both operate IMAX-format cinemas with a focus on comfort.
No. The IMAX at Ibn Battuta Mall closed permanently around July 2024.
IMAX cinema in Dubai continues to evolve, offering everything from cutting-edge laser projection to comfort-focused premium seating across key locations in the city. Knowing what each venue delivers helps moviegoers choose an experience that matches both their expectations and their neighbourhood lifestyle.
