Imax Corporation and World Media Holding, a leading media company in the Middle East, today announced an agreement for two new Imax theatres in the UAE.

The theatres will be operated by World Media Holding subsidiary CinemaCity and will be added to new multiplexes in Abu Dhabi's Mushrif Mall and at the Zero 6 Mall in Sharjah - the first Imax theatre in the UAE's third-largest city.

Today's deal brings World Media Holding's Imax commitment to three theatres, with an Imax contracted to open in Doha, Qatar.

"Our existing theatres in the Middle East have performed exceptionally well with per-screen averages of over $1 million. We believe these strong results are serving as a catalyst for growth in the region, where we have signed seven theatre deals in one year," said Imax CEO Richard L Gelfond. "I am optimistic about our prospects in the Middle East and, together with valued partners such as World Media Holding, look forward to expanding our footprint in this underpenetrated market."

"We are proud to align ourselves with the Imax brand, which is becoming increasingly popular among moviegoers in the Middle East," said Hammad Atassi, CEO World Media Holding. "Imax is the most advanced cinema format in the world. By adding additional Imax theatres to our circuit we are gaining a key competitive advantage we are confident will help strengthen our business and delight our guests." -TradeArabia News Service