Beginning October 30, screenings will take place from Tuesday to Sunday, starting between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM, with the venue remaining open until 10:00 PM.
Cinema Akil, the UAE’s independent arthouse cinema, is reopening its seasonal outdoor venue at 25hours Hotel One Central for its third edition. The open-air cinema returns on October 30 with an updated format that includes ticketed entry, a new in-house food and beverage concept and a curated lineup designed to turn winter nights into cinematic experiences under the stars.
The new season kicks off with a Halloween weekend screening of cult classics, including A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) and The Addams Family (1991). November’s programme features Karim El-Shinnawi’s Egyptian coming-of-age drama Daye (2024), Fernando Meirelles’ Brazilian crime masterpiece City of God (2002) and Jamie Ross-Hulme’s documentary Hyper: The Stevie Hyper D Story (2024), celebrating the life of the jungle music pioneer. In December, audiences can look forward to festive favourites such as Home Alone (1990). The relaunch coincides with the debut of 25hours Jump Street, a new dining destination at the hotel.
This season also marks Cinema Akil’s first foray into running its own F&B operation, serving classic comfort food throughout the day and during screenings. The highlight of the new menu is a reimagined version of the timeless cinema snack—the hot dog—offered in signature styles like BLT and Philly. The menu, available Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 11 PM, also features truffle popcorn, cheesy nachos, mozzarella sticks, loaded fries, crispy chicken tenders and cinnamon churros, creating a relaxed dining experience for moviegoers.
Covering nearly 1,900 sqft, the 25hours outpost includes a box office and concessions area, a rentable retail and pop-up zone, and an open-air theatre that seats 72 with additional standing room for 150. Screenings will take place every night except Mondays, typically beginning between 7:30 and 8:00 PM, while the venue remains open daily from noon to 10 PM.
While Cinema Akil’s flagship venue at Alserkal Avenue continues to anchor the city’s arthouse scene, its seasonal 25hours pop-up offers an alternative viewing experience in the heart of Dubai. Together, the two spaces embody the cinema’s mission to bring diverse regional and international films to audiences across the emirate—one nestled amid Alserkal’s creative hub, and the other framed by the city’s glittering skyline.
Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil, said: “Situated in one of Dubai’s most dynamic apex, right on 25 Jump Street in One Central, Cinema Akil in 25hours has become more than a seasonal outpost, it is a cultural landmark where film, community, and the spirit of the city converge. Each season reflects the pulse of Dubai: open, evolving, and alive with possibility. This pavilion is a place where audiences gather under the open sky to share stories from across the world, reminding us of cinema’s power to connect us beyond borders. Alongside the films, the outpost has also become a stage for events, talks, and gatherings that enrich the cultural fabric of the city. As we enter our third season, our commitment remains the same, to celebrate the art of film while creating a space for dialogue, discovery, and belonging in the heart of Dubai.”
James Berry, General Manager of 25hours Hotel One Central, added: “Our collaboration with Cinema Akil has given 25hours in Dubai a pulse that extends beyond hospitality. Guests now look forward to evenings under the stars as part of their experience with us, and the outdoor cinema has become woven into the rhythm of the hotel and the city itself. As we welcome Season 3, we are excited to include another chapter of screenings that are accessible, inclusive, and unmistakably Dubai. We are proud to see it grow as a landmark for culture, community, and unforgettable guest moments.”
