About

Kuwait National Cinema Company, formerly known as Kuwait Cinema Co, was incorporated in 1954 with a capital of 7 million Rupees, a few years before the Kuwaiti Dinar currency was introduced.

Al Sharqiah Cinema was the first theater to open in Kuwait. It was located next to the Amiri Hospital and accommodated about 1000 persons. The theatre was roof-less (open-air) during summer and was covered with tent fabric during winter. Subsequently, all other theaters came into operation and by 1995 KNCC had a network of 11 theaters most of which were traditional stage-theaters with large seating capacities.

In response to development in the entertainment business globally, KNCC embarked on several new strategies. First, commencing in 1996, KNCC used luxurious shopping centers as prime locations for multi-screen theaters. Second, KNCC initiated a plan to renovate older theaters in an effort to enhance its corporate image. For example, by the year 2006, the Drive-In Cinema will be converted into a "MegaPlex" Cinema with more than 16 screens. Finally, KNCC has upgraded its use of technology. In the year 2002, KNCC has introduced a new concept of ticketing. Customers are able to buy tickets using Smart Cards via self-operated ticketing machines. In addition, customers can pre-book their favorite seats by phone or by internet and easily collect their tickets upon their arrival to the theaters. In November 2003, KNCC had introduced its E-Ticketing service, the first of its kind in the Middle East. With E-Ticketing, customers are able to buy tickets online using debit and credit cards.

In 2005, the company has added M-NET to its family of enabled payment methods. Customers can now pay for their tickets using their mobiles. With this, Kuwait became the second country in the world (after Austria) to enable mobile payments in theaters. ...Show less