Saudi Arabia unveils first movie theatre in 35 years

Saudi Arabia has opened its first cinema hall in over 35 years. The first film screening is to be in the capital Riyadh, where a mixed Saudi and foreign audience are set to watch the Marvel superhero film "Black Panther".
The invitation-only gala event came after the conservative kingdom lifted the ban on cinemas last year as part of a far-reaching liberalisation drive.

US giant AMC Entertainment granted the first licence to operate movie theatres. AMC Chief Executive Adam Aron said the ticket sales will commence today for the first public shows tomorrow.

The social reforms undertaken by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are part of his so-called Vision 2030, a blueprint for Saudi Arabia that aims to boost local spending and create jobs amid sustained lower oil prices.