New IMAX at Yas Mall: 23.2m screen, laser projection, luxe seats

VOX Cinemas has opened a next-generation IMAX with Laser auditorium at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, with a 23.2m-wide screen, 12-channel sound, and upgraded seating across the cinema.

New IMAX at Yas Mall

VOX Cinemas has opened a next-generation IMAX auditorium at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, timed with the regional release of Avatar: Fire and Ash. The headline upgrades are simple: a 23.2m-wide screen, IMAX with Laser projection, 12-channel sound, and better seating. And it’s not just the IMAX room — VOX is also refitting parts of the whole cinema to push it further up the “premium night out” ladder.

VOX Cinemas has launched a next-generation IMAX auditorium at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi (18 December 2025).
The IMAX screen is 23.2 metres wide, with a floor-to-ceiling viewing setup.
It runs IMAX with Laser projection and a 12-channel immersive sound system.
Seating is fully upgraded, including gliders and recliners throughout the IMAX auditorium.
Yas Mall’s wider VOX site is being refreshed too, with more Premier screens and an expanded THEATRE luxury offering.

What VOX launched at Yas Mall

VOX has upgraded and reopened its IMAX auditorium at Yas Mall as a “next-generation” experience, positioning the site as a flagship destination for film fans in Abu Dhabi.

Location: VOX Cinemas, Yas Mall (Abu Dhabi)
Launch date: 18 December 2025
Positioning: premium IMAX + broader cinema refurbishment

If you’re the type who saves “big movies” for a big screen, this is VOX making that decision easier — and louder.

The tech bits people will actually notice

This auditorium is built around IMAX’s newer laser projection and a multi-speaker sound setup designed to feel more “wraparound” than your standard cinema hall.

Screen: 23.2 metres wide, described as the largest screen within Yas Mall, with a floor-to-ceiling viewing experience
Projection: IMAX with Laser for ultra-bright, sharp images and stronger colour/contrast
Audio: 12-channel immersive sound, including ceiling, rear, and surround speakers
Comfort: glider and recliner seating available for all

VOX also notes that films shown here go through IMAX’s DMR remastering process, where each frame is optimised for IMAX presentation.

For booking and listings, VOX points customers to the VOX website and app — you can start at VOX Yas Mall showtimes here: VOX Cinemas Yas Mall – Abu Dhabi showtimes.

It’s part of a bigger Yas Mall cinema makeover

The IMAX room is the star, but VOX is also remodelling the wider Yas Mall site to make the whole venue feel more “premium by default”.

11 standard screens converted to Premier, with modern gliders and recliners
The existing MAX auditorium is also upgraded with Premier seating
THEATRE (VOX’s luxury format) is being expanded
The 4DX auditorium will be remodelled into an extra THEATRE screen, adding 36 premium seats
Common areas like the foyer and Candy Bar are being refreshed too

If you’ve been following VOX updates in the UAE, you’ve probably seen how often it tweaks formats and offers — here’s our running coverage: VOX Cinemas on Tbreak.

How big is VOX’s IMAX footprint in MENA?

VOX is leaning hard into the “we’re the biggest IMAX exhibitor in the region” line — and the numbers in the release back up the scale.

VOX says it now has 15 IMAX locations across 7 countries
Total IMAX seating across the network: 4,129 seats
UAE sites listed include The Galleria Al Maryah, Yas Mall, Dubai Festival City, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif

If you want the official VOX explainer for the format (and where to find it), VOX also maintains an IMAX page here: VOX IMAX experience.

What’s playing, and why VOX picked this timing

VOX says the IMAX launch aligns with the regional release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, pitching it as the big “first watch” for the new setup.

Expect the biggest impact on movies made for huge screens and heavy sound design
Booking is via voxcinemas.com or the VOX app

And if you’re planning your cinema week the normal way (aka: scrolling until something sticks), our UAE round-ups help: What to watch this week in the UAE.

FAQ

Is the new IMAX at Yas Mall “IMAX with Laser”?

Yes. VOX says the upgraded auditorium is powered by IMAX with Laser projection.

How big is the IMAX screen at Yas Mall?

VOX states the screen is 23.2 metres wide, with a floor-to-ceiling viewing experience.

What audio system does it use?

VOX lists a 12-channel immersive sound system, including ceiling, rear, and surround speakers.

What else is being upgraded at VOX Yas Mall besides IMAX?

VOX says 11 standard screens are being converted to Premier, the existing MAX auditorium is getting Premier seating, and 4DX is being remodelled into an extra THEATRE screen.