The much-anticipated “Barbie” movie has officially hit cinemas in the United Arab Emirates and is shattering box office records. The film, which was globally released on July 9th, has been met with an overwhelmingly positive reception in the UAE, with many theaters reporting fully booked shows and record-breaking ticket sales.
Murray Rea, the director of Roxy Cinemas, confirmed in a Khaleej Times report the film’s success, noting, “Barbie has broken all records thus far in the UAE,” surpassing previous record-holder “Mission Impossible.” The enthusiasm was evident as cinephiles flocked to theaters from as early as 10am.
Reel Cinema at the Dubai Mall was notably adorned in pink, with fans eagerly taking photos alongside Barbie-themed posters and life-sized cutouts. While many attendees were families, the age restriction imposed by some cinemas limited younger fans’ access.
Theaters have varied in their age restriction policies. While some have instituted a strict age limit, only permitting those aged 15 and above, others have been more lenient, allowing children between 5 and 18 to watch if accompanied by an adult.
This difference in policies led to disappointments for some, including Malaysian expat Siti and her 5-year-old daughter, Zara. “We all came dressed for the movie, but we are really disappointed that we couldn’t enjoy it together,” Siti commented.
“Barbie,” directed by Oscar-nominated Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, delves into the existential crisis faced by the titular character as she confronts the realities outside her perfect world. The film has garnered significant global attention, earning over $1 billion.