Cinema Akil’s seasonal outdoor outpost pops up at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central

Dubai’s independent arthouse Cinema Akil has revealed the opening of its seasonal outdoor outpost, Cinema Akil in 25hours (CA in 25hours) at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central in its latest collaboration with Ennsimore. Now open to the public, this expansion marks a significant milestone in Cinema Akil’s mission to bring exceptional cinematic and cultural experiences to audiences in the heart of Dubai, and the region.

Located within the vibrant 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, CA in 25hours, spanning across 1,867.5 square feet, offers a multi-faceted space divided into three distinct sections: the box office/concession area, the open cinema theatre and a multipurpose retail and pop-up space. Beyond screening films, CA in 25hours promises an electric array of entertainment options, including an F&B offering, music events, talks and pop-up experiences.

Designed for film screenings and a multitude of other activities, CA in 25hours boasts a theatre with a seating capacity of 72 people and a total standing capacity of approximately 150 guests across all three zones, creating an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for cinema enthusiasts and creatives alike. With versatility in mind, CA in 25hours offers a unique space to accommodate takeovers, venue rentals and collaborations. It presents a flexible environment that can seamlessly adapt to different needs, fostering a creative atmosphere for a variety of purposes.

“Cinema Akil in 25hours is more than just a cinema; it’s a vibrant hub where film and culture converge, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Dubai,” said Founder, Butheina Kazim. “Bringing a bespoke version of the Cinema Akil experience to 25hours Hotel is a significant milestone in our mission to champion the culture of film and the cinematic arts, while exposing international cinema to regional audiences. Our partnership with Ennismore is a collaboration built on a special blend of shared values combining innovation, community-centricity and trust. Located at the main artery of Dubai, sandwiched between the past and the future in Dubai’s story the space pays tribute to Dubai’s constant evolution, aligning with Cinema Akil’s iterative nature. Brought together by the call to “Come as You Are,” it is designed for versatility, fostering collaboration and reinvention with a cohesive identity. Their roots from Berlin, a city centred on celebrating cinema, align perfectly with our mission. Through this partnership, we look forward to enhancing the cinematic experience in this dynamic city we call home.”

CA in 25hours boasts cutting-edge technology, featuring state-of-the-art laser projection and Dolby 7.1 cinema sound making the theatre compatible with industry-standard video and audio formats. Based on its unique location in the atrium which is a quite cavernous space, the cinema’s acoustic design and engineering, completed by Acoustics Studio 21dB, has been laid out to protect the integrity of cinematic experience while keeping it accessible, public and outdoor.

Beyond its technical prowess, the ambience of CA in 25hours is a key highlight. The space is not brightly lit, setting the mood for an intimate and immersive journey. The space presents two distinct moods – one resembling a public installation mimicking a garden during the day, serving as a corridor to connect One Central to the hotel; the other transforms into a back alley at night, adorned with exclusive red lights and Cinema Akil’s iconic chandeliers. The lighting design focuses on an easy transition to a screening experience that ensures guests enjoy a seamless journey from the moment they enter the venue until they settle into watching a film.