Gardens Shopping Mall to house the UAE's first IMAX theatre, the most immersive film experience in the world

The mall, which will open in the first quarter of 2005, will house the state-of-the-art facility as part of the leisure and entertainment section of the complex.

The IMAX Experience has entertained and enlightened more than 800 million people worldwide in more than 235 theatres, operating in 35 countries. The Gardens Shopping Mall will be the first development in the UAE to showcase the revolutionary cinematic technology, which is the most advanced in the world. Images of unsurpassed size, clarity and impact will be projected onto a giant IMAX screen. The images are enhanced by a superb specially-designed six-channel, 12,000 watt digital surround sound system.

The theatre will offer audiences Hollywood event films that have been digitally re-mastered into IMAX¡¦s larger than life format through a revolutionary technology known as IMAX DMR,,¥ (Digital Re-mastering), in addition to original IMAX films that transport audiences to places they can only dream of going, from the deepest depths of the oceans to the furthest reaches of the universe.

¡§We are pleased to be offering visitors to Gardens Shopping Mall the ultimate film experience in the Middle East. We want to create a unique environment at Gardens Shopping Mall that offers not only a wide variety of shopping outlets but also state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities that have never before been seen in the UAE. IMAX is synonymous with innovation and quality so naturally we are delighted that they will be part of the project,¡¨ said Andrew Chambers, General Manager, Gardens Shopping Mall.

¡§For the first time in the UAE, viewers will be able to watch the best Hollywood event films in the world¡¦s largest film format in addition to original IMAX films. The IMAX Experience will take audiences on incredible cinematic adventures, as they experience the feeling of being ¡¥in¡¦ the movie. The IMAX technology is outstanding and delivers the ultimate film experience. By welcoming tenants such as IMAX, we are offering a wide array of facilities for visitors, ensuring that people can use the complex for a variety of activities,¡¨ Chambers said.

IMAX theatres feature rectangular screens up to eight storeys high and 120 feet/37 metres wide. IMAX also uses 15/70 film format which is ten times larger than conventional 35mm film and three times larger than a standard 70mm film. The sheer size of a 15/70 film, coupled with IMAX projection technology, is the key to the outstanding sharpness and clarity that viewers will experience.

¡§We are thrilled to partner with The Gardens Shopping Mall to bring The IMAX Experience to the UAE for the first time. Together we look forward to offering moviegoers in the region the most powerful cinematic experiences in the world,¡¨ said Larry O¡¦Reilly, IMAX¡¦s Senior Vice President, Theatre Development and Film Distribution. ¡§IMAX theatres are found in some of the world¡¦s most prestigious educational institutions and destination entertainment centres and we proudly welcome Nakheel¡¦s latest project to the IMAX theatre network.¡¨

¡§The average IMAX screen is 4500 times bigger than an average TV screen and is as wide as an American football field. The IMAX screen has a slight curvature that extends beyond the peripheral field of view, giving audiences a totally immersive cinematic experience,¡¨ added Mr. O¡¦Reilly.

The mall, which is the largest themed mall in the Middle East, is being developed as a distinctive retail, entertainment and family interactive experience and will be the first of its kind in the region. The design will enable people to literally follow the footsteps of legendary Arab explorer Ibn Battuta, as he traversed through the lands of Spain and Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China.

The complex will house international retail chains, state-of-the-art entertainment facilities and a new-concept food court. There has been a huge demand for retail space and almost the entire available retail space has already been booked by international and local retail houses.