Saudi film buffs rejoice—cinemas in the Kingdom reopened their doors today.
Restaurants, malls, gyms and more have also reopened as the COVID-19 restrictions have, for the most part, been lifted, with certain key measures still in place.
Esquire Middle East has confirmed that tickets are available for purchase now and screenings have already begun.
The biggest films that came out while Saudi cinemas were closed have not been released today, including Tom & Jerry and Raya and the Last Dragon, with their release still coming soon to the Kingdom.
Raya and the Last Dragon is set to come out this weekend on March 11, with Tom & Jerry set for March 18.
A source at the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior told the Saudi Press Agency late Friday night that the government decided not to extend precautionary measures that began on 4 February and were then extended for 20 days on February 14, which had stopped all entertainment activities and events.
Cinemas were closed for roughly a month, along with indoor entertainment centers, indoor games venues, restaurants, shopping centers, gyms and sports centers. Restaurants and cafes moved to delivery only across the Kingdom.
The source told the Saudi Press Agency that while most of the mentioned closings will be reversed, all parties and events will continue to be suspended, including weddings, corporate meetings and similar activities, as well as the spaces such events take place inside hotels and independent halls.
The maximum number of people allowed at social gatherings will be 20 people.
The source also stressed to the Saudi Press Agency that people in the Kingdom will need to adhere to all COVID-19 prevention measures, “including the continued distribution of prayers at funerals in cemeteries at all times of the day, and not to be complacent in the application of precautionary measures, preventive measures and protocols approved for all activities, in order to preserve the public health of society and protect the gains achieved during the last period on all levels.”
Inspection campaigns will also reportedly be increased during the re-opening phase to ensure that both individuals and businesses are adhering to the precautionary measures, with strict fines to be imposed on violators.
The source also indicated that the authorities are measuring the COVID-19 situation very closely and will respond the situation fluidly depending on new developments, meaning that things could change still course if increased safety measures are once again required.
Cinemas also remain closed in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, which were announced to be closing their doors on February 5, a day after Saudi Arabia made its initial announcement.
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