The cost of watching a film at the cinema in the UAE will cost you Dh5 more – across all theatres.

The cost of movie tickets have gone up from Dh30 to Dh35 with Grand Cinemas, who until now had held off raising prices, finally caving in to “economic circumstances”.

Vox Cinemas increased ticket prices at the end of 2011 and Reel Cinemas upped their prices in February this year.

Grand Cinemas is at Al Ghurair Centre, Wafi City, Dubai Festival City, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mercato Mall, AUH Mall, Manar Mall, Mega Mall and Sahara Centre.
 
Reel Cinemas is at Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall.

Vox Cinemas is at Ajman City Centre, Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Marina Mall and Mirdif City Centre.

Over 48 hours since the increase, Grand Cinema technical director Andy Fordham explained that the move was made after much consideration.

“The cost of running a business has gone up, but we had not increased our prices for the last six years. So, this increase is just a natural reaction to what’s happening around us,” he added.

A ticketing officer at Reel Cinema agreed. “There’s been no increase in the prices for so long, so this was bound to happen.”

Although many cinegoers have used social media sites to voice their objection, with some even claiming they would have to explore other cheaper options, the cinema houses claim there’s been no drop in the business so far.

“Even during recession, people went out and watched films,” insisted Andy.