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Ruwi Cinema closes down

MUSCAT — As we enter 2009, it is going to rather disappointing days ahead for the movie buffs in the capital. Ruwi Cinema, one of Oman’s oldest cinema houses, closed down yesterday as part of Family Shopping Centre’s expansion plans. The management of Ruwi Cinema said they were undecided on an alternative location or a temporary theatre that could show movies.

“We have not yet decided on an alternative location or on a temporary venue,” Hussain M.V., manager of Ruwi Cinema, told Times of Oman.

He said the owners of the building had given a notice asking them to move out by December 31, 2008.

He, however, requested movie enthusiasts to be patient till the management comes up with a new location in a few months. “We have all options at our hand either to rent a building or construct one. But it will take several months for a new theatre to come up,” he said.

Hussain said if they get sufficient space, they might even consider building a cinema hall with more screens and also increase the seating capacity.

“But you know the rent these days is very high and so we have to think seriously before committing on that option,” he said. Whatever be the reasons behind the closure of one of the popular theatres in the city that has been showing movies for 11 years, there is no doubt that the fans will be the worst hit.

“My family is a regular visitor to Ruwi Cinema for the last five years and we have never missed any superhit movies to date. So, with the theatre closing down we are going to be affected,” said Shylendran, an Indian national.

With the shutting down of Ruwi Cinema, going to a movie will become increasingly difficult, especially for people who stay in areas like Ruwi, Hamriya and Wadi Kabir.

“Ruwi Cinema had always been my first option. The location is very convenient for my family to travel. With it shutting down, there isn’t any option than to travel all the way to Al Shatti or Al Bahja Cinema in Seeb,” said Khalfan Al Balushi, an Omani national from Ruwi.