Sensory kids rejoice as VOX Cinemas launches a sensory friendly screening programme in partnership with the Dubai Autism Centre. The unique cinema experience has been designed to make movie-going more inclusive and accessible for children with sensitivities and marks the latest innovation from the cinema chain.

Sensory issues occur when a child has a difficult time receiving and responding to information from their senses. Children who have sensory issues may have an aversion to anything that triggers their senses, such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell, which makes a regular trip the cinema a difficult task. Sensory Friendly Screenings will be adapted in a variety of ways so children with these kinds of sensitivities can enjoy the latest releases with their family and friends in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

To reduce overstimulation, Sensory Friendly Screenings feature adjustments including reduced audio volume, dimmed lighting for the duration of the film, the removal of trailers and a smaller number of guests in the auditorium. Families can also bring their own snacks to accommodate for any special dietary requirements.

The weekly screenings will take place every Saturdaysat 12pm in VOX KIDS, a colourful and dedicated auditorium for young movie lovers at VOX Cinemas in Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, Al Jimi Mall and City Centre Ajman. The programme will also be rolled out in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, offering a wide variety of family-friendly films and animated movies.

“At VOX Cinemas, we believe that going to the movies is a magical experience that should be enjoyed by everyone and we’re delighted to partner with Dubai Autism Centre to provide this new offering," said Cameron Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment. "Sensory Friendly Screenings have been specially designed to make moviegoing more accessible and enable children with sensory sensitivities to enjoy quality family time while watching their favourite movies. This new and unique cinematic experience underpins our commitment to continuously innovate and diversify our offering in line with guest feedback and emerging trends.”

Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General and Board Member of Dubai Autism Center added, “We’re extremely proud to collaborate with VOX Cinemas, which is known for its innovative experiences across the region. For some moviegoers the cinema environment can be overwhelming or overstimulating due to the loud noises and bright lights but, with the special adaptations in place, Sensory Friendly Screenings ensure that children with sensory sensitivities and their families don’t miss out on the collective experience of watching their favourite films on the big screen.”

The move highlights VOX Cinemas' commitment to innovation and providing an exceptional cinema experience for all. The Sensory Friendly Screenings launch comes just a month after launching Snow Cinema at Ski Dubai, the region’s first cinema in the snow. Now all you have to worry about is which flavour popcorn!

Tickets for Sensory Friendly Screenings can be purchased at voxcinemas.com, on the app or at the ticket counter at the venues listed.