Going To The Movies - Where To Watch The Silver Screen VIP Style

In August 2022, a new luxury cinema opened its doors in Doha's Katara Cultural Village. As the city's number one destination for celebrating culture, including through film and visual arts, and home to luxury venues such as the premier shopping district of 21 High Street, the Children's Mall and a host of top-notch eateries, the addition of a VIP movie theatre is no doubt welcome. Nonetheless, Katara's new grandiose picture palace is just one of Qatar's capital city Doha's extravagant cinematic offerings.

Doha is home to over twenty different movie theatres, from standard 2D screen cinemas to multiplexes, megaplexes, IMAX and drive-in theatres, with 3D, 4D and 7D experiences, dedicated kids auditoriums, and showing films ranging from indie flicks and Bollywood sagas to Hollywood blockbusters. When it comes to watching the 'silver screen' in the capital, there really is something for everyone, of every age, and to suit every taste. However, if it's the VIP and luxury experience you want, check out these opulent options…

For The Ultimate Luxury Experience

If there’s something Doha does well, it’s luxury. In fact, Qatar’s capital takes the modern interpretation of luxury and blows it out of the water. From 7-star to VVIP options, you’ll find cinematic experiences you didn’t even know existed.

VOX Cinemas at Doha Festival City and the Doha Oasis

Image: Vox Cinemas

Located in the heart of Doha Festival City, one of Qatar's biggest entertainment and shopping destinations is the 18-screen VOX Cinemas multiplex (the country's first VOX venue). With cinematic viewing options that include standard, kids, luxury and 4DX theatres, and the mega screens of the MAX screens, there are plenty of choices. However, it is the movie house's THEATRE auditorium that captures our attention. Not only can you settle down to watch a movie in an intimate setting (limited seating keeps things cosy and peaceful), with plush and spacious reclining leather seats, under a blanket and with your head resting on a pillow, but you can also order a fine-dining meal from a menu courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Akira Back.

Priced at 350 QAR, the THEATRE package includes a ticket to the movie of your choice, a starter, main and dessert and one drink and tea/coffee.

With over 400 retail outlets, 100 dining options and a host of entertainment activities, including the cinema, an Angry Birds-themed adventure park, a snow park and a gaming hub, Virtuocity, grabbing a movie at Doha Festival City in Umm Salal can easily turn into a jam-packed day out.

Alternatively, make your way to VOX's only other branch in Doha, the Doha Oasis in Msheireb, for another luxury cinematic offering.

The VIP and VVIP options at the Oasis allow you to dine before or after your chosen film. Choose from either the boutique-style restaurant lounge or the luxurious surroundings of the private fine-dining lounge - where you can watch professional chefs create culinary masterpieces while you eat. The luxury experience is completed inside the stylishly decorated and intimate VIP movie theatres, which boast plush carpets underfoot, soft leather reclining chairs with waiter service pushbuttons, optional privacy screens, warm blankets and pillows for extra comfort.

From 175 QAR, the VIP options are well worth the experience, and, if you have time left, why not explore the Oasis' indoor theme park, shopping complex or any of the multiple dining options available?

To book films at either Doha Festival City or the Doha Oasis, suss out the VOX Cinema website.

NOVO Cinemas at 01 Mall, the Mall of Qatar, Tawar Mall, Souq Waqif and The Pearl

Image: NOVO Cinemas

Not to be outdone, NOVO Cinemas also offer a 7-star option at their five movie theatres across Doha (at the 01 Mall and the Mall of Qatar in Al Rayyan, Tawar Mall in Al Duhail, Souq Waqif on the Corniche and at The Pearl). he 7-star enterprise promises a cinematic experience in the lap of luxury. Try the private VIP lounge to relax before and after the movie, the personal butler service to indulge your needs and serve the gourmet menu on offer, and the sumptuous and stylish, fully-reclining seats, complete with individual tables, reading lights, cushions and blankets. Plus, the limited seats are arranged in twos with plenty of space between each pair to ensure a relaxed, cosy interlude.

For an ultra-exclusive experience, consider the Majlis - crushed velvet sofa seating for two. Each sofa comes with its own table to allow you to sample a four-course dine-dining meal comprised of classic dishes from around the world and delivered by a personal butler.

Novo's 7-star option can be purchased for 150 QAR, and the ticket includes a 50 QAR food voucher. The Majlis experience will set you back 475 QAR for two and is available in all but the Tawar Mall theatre.

Whichever Novo cinema you choose, each is located in an ideal venue for extending your day or making an evening of it. In particular, the Mall of Qatar offers a host of shops, cafes, restaurants and other entertainment venues to occupy your time and has an in-house theatre troupe that performs year-round. Tawar Mall offers various alternative entertainment and shopping options, including the ultimate trampoline park, Bounce and the traditional-style Old Souq for an alternative retail experience. Novo Souq Waqif is perched on the edge of its namesake, Souq Waqif - Qatar's oldest traditional market, home to a myriad of alleyways and lanes housing hundreds of small shops, selling everything from material to gold, perfumes, spices and souvenirs, and an array of cafes and restaurants. And, The Pearl, Qatar's premier marina destination, is full of boutique shops and delicious eateries.

To check out what's on at Doha’s Novo screens and to book tickets, check out the NOVO Cinema website.

Flik Cinemas at Lagoona Mall

Image: Flix Cinemas

Flik Cinemas operate two movie theatres in Doha, one at Lagoona Mall in Legtaifiya and the other at Mirqab Mall in Fereej Al Nasr. And while both offer Gold standard auditoriums with super comfortable leather recliners, only the theatre in Lagoona offers a Platinum VIP experience.

Lagoona's Platinum-class venue allows you to luxuriate in a top-class leather reclining seat with specialised lumbar support, USB charging point, privacy screen, individual dining table and an iPad for requesting VIP waiter service. Prior to or during the film, you can order drinks and snacks or a meal from the five-star menu to be delivered to your seat. There is even a concierge on hand for any other needs.

Tickets for the premium seats at Flik cost 150 QAR, without refreshments. To book your platinum-style adventure, take a recce of the Flik Cinemas website.

Lagoona Mall is another destination worth taking the time to explore once you have finished at the movies. Luxury shopping outlets and top-notch dining options set around a European-style plaza make Lagoona the perfect place to extend your VIP experience.

Getting There and Away

Most of the cinema venues in Qatar can be quickly and easily reached on the Doha Metro.

Heading north from the city centre on the Metro Red Line will take you to Katara via the Katara Metro Station, Lagoona Mall and The Pearl via Legtaifiya Metro Station and a free Metrolink bus. The Green Line, west from the centre to Al Riffa, will drop you at the Mall of Qatar. And the Gold Line, east of the city, will take you to Souq Waqif. The cinema at the Doha Oasis can be reached on any line (Green, Red or Gold) heading to Msheireb Central Station.

Cinemas at Doha Festival City, 01 Mall and Tawar Mall all require a car or taxi to reach.

Main image: Alhim/Shutterstock.com