How it all started

HISTORY

timeline_pre_loader
EARLY YEARS (1967 - 1989)

1967

Bahrain Cinema & Film Distribution Company is established by Amiri decree.

1968

  • Company commences operations in Bahrain following acquisition of Awal Cinema, Bahrain Cinema and Al Nasr Cinema.
  • Al Hamra Cinema opens, the first air-conditioned theatre in Bahrain.

1971

New Awal Cinema in Manama opens, following demolition of previous theatre.

1976

Bahrain Cinema & Film Distribution Company is renamed Bahrain Cinema Company.

1979

Al Nasr Cinema is converted to an air-conditioned theatre.

1989

Bahrain Cinema Company (Cineco) is listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange.
1997 - 2009

1997

New six-screen cineplex opens at Seef Mall, Bahrain.

2000

  • Al Jazeera two-screen cineplex opens in Muharraq, Bahrain.
  • New four-screen cineplex opens in Saar, Bahrain.

2001

New 10-screen megaplex opens at Seef Mall, Bahrain.

2002

First Rendezvous buffet restaurant opens at Seef Mall, Bahrain.

2004

New 14-screen megaplex opens at Doha City Centre, Qatar.

2007

First Taka Tak Indian restaurant opens at Awal Cinema complex, Bahrain.

2009

  • New 20-screen megaplex opens at Bahrain City Centre.
  • New 13-screen cineplex opens at Villagio Mall, Doha, Qatar.

2010 - 2019

2009

Qatar Bahrain International Cinema Company is established.

2011

Second branch of Rendezvous restaurant opens at Bahrain City Centre.

2015

  • Construction of Awal Plaza in Bahrain commences, resulting in the closure of Awal Cinema and Taka Tak restaurant.
  • New outlet of Taka Tak restaurant opens at the Dragon Mall in Muharraq, Bahrain.

2016

  • New six-screen cineplex opens in Wadi Al Sail Mall at Riffa, Bahrain.
  • Third branch of Rendezvous restaurant opens at Wadi Al Sail Mall.
  • New 13-screen megaplex opens in Gulf Mall, Doha, Qatar.
  • New three-screen cineplex opens at Al Khor Mall, Qatar.

2017

  • Leasing of first block of apartments commences at Awal Plaza.
  • JV agreement signed with Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas Company to establish Vox Cineco Cinemas Company, which will manage the 20-screen megaplex at Bahrain City Centre.
  • Red Dragon Company established as a new Cineco subsidiary in Saudi Arabia to manage restaurant and entertainment activities in the Kingdom.

2018

  • New 10-screen cineplex opens at Oasis Mall, Juffair, Bahrain featuring innovative new Cine Kids and Cine Gourmet concepts.
  • Cineco is awarded an exclusive GCC franchise from the UK for indoor electric go-karting, which will form the core activity of planned entertainment centres across the region.
  • Al Jazeera Cinema closes down.

2019

  • Nesto Supermarket opens at Awal Plaza, Bahrain.
  • New two-screen cineplex opens at the Galleria Mall, Dubai.
  • Cineco applies for a licence to operate cinemas in Saudi Arabia.

  • Bahrain Cinema Company signs an agreement to develop Cineplex in Amwaj Village Mall,Amwaj Islands. CINECO will undertake the development of 5 screens in Amwaj Village Mall. (Signing Period: Dec 2019)

View Detailed History