Eid Al Fitr Box Office Season in the Gulf: Challenges Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions
As the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran enters its sixth day, the repercussions extend beyond geopolitics and humanitarian issues, casting a shadow over the energy and tourism sectors of the Gulf states affected by retaliatory attacks.
The impending Eid Al Fitr holiday, set to commence on March 19 with the conclusion of Ramadan, could face significant economic challenges as it typically represents a peak period for entertainment and leisure activities in the region.
Despite the turmoil, major cinema chains such as Vox Cinemas, Roxy Cinemas, Muvi Cinemas, and AMC Cinemas remain operational and are promoting their upcoming Eid offerings.
Films scheduled for release on March 19 include Hoppers, Scream 7, Project Hail Mary, The Strangers: Chapter 3, Reminders of Him, The Bride, Sirāt, the Malayalam comedy franchise Aadu 3, the Hindi-language spy thriller Dhurandhar 2, and the Pakistani Punjabi-language action film Bullah.
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However, the security situation remains precarious. Since Saturday, numerous Iranian missiles and drones have targeted U.S. military bases and local energy infrastructures, occasionally striking airports and hotels throughout the region, raising concerns about public safety and attendance at cinemas.
In an additional impact of the conflict, the Indian period action film Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, originally set to debut on March 19, has had its release postponed to June 4 due to the “current uncertainty” affecting the Middle East.
“It’s Ramadan anyway, so the business is super slow. It usually drops 80 to 90%, but with the current situation, it’s even worse,” said Gianluca Chakra of Front Row Filmed Entertainment, which recently experienced success with the action film Shelter.
Chakra noted that while they have Sirāt scheduled for an Eid release, the ongoing volatility leaves them uncertain about future plans: “We’re all very much on stand-by.”
Traditionally, the Eid Al Fitr holiday marks one of the busiest times of the year for cinemas in the region, as the observant Muslim population transitions from the slower pace of Ramadan to communal celebrations, family gatherings, and leisure activities.
In 2022, the Gulf’s cinema landscape, particularly in Saudi Arabia, showcased robust box office performance, with April recording a gross of 94.7 million Saudi Riyal ($25.2 million) following Ramadan—contrasting sharply with just 15 million Saudi Riyal ($4 million) generated in the Ramadan month of March, according to figures from the Saudi Film Commission.
This year, the month-long Ramadan runs from February 17 to March 19, with the Eid celebrations expected to commence following the sighting of the new crescent moon. The public holiday lasts until March 21 across the Gulf, typically providing opportunities for cinema outings, amusement park visits, and short trips.
With U.S. President Donald Trump indicating on Monday that the military campaign against Iran may extend for several weeks, plans for the Eid Al Fitr holiday season remain uncertain and could be subject to further disruptions in the coming days.
