Yellow lights, bobbing seats, twinkling stars and a movie on-screen. That’s what your next date night or friends outing will look like, if you land up at Machia Velli at Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain. Open only during winters, this floating cinema, Flote, is back! Grab a tub of popcorn, nachos (or cake, if you’re into that) and sit back as the movie unfolds.
The cinema that floats
You’ve heard of drive-in movies. You’ve heard of sit-down movies. But have you heard of floating movies? Not us either. This theatre is an experience in itself, from driving up to The Mangrove Beach to going back home. Just an hour from Dubai and two hours from Abu Dhabi, is this perfect haven.
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The minute you enter the beach, you see the Floté Cafe offering snacks and desserts. A little further down the beach is a beautiful walkway. Adorned with yellow fairy lights on both sides of the walkway, this picturesque route brings you to the four boats.
Each boat offers a perfect view of the screen, finished with a barrier (if you want privacy) and a maximum capacity of 2 people. It includes seats, a table, and little lamps on either side of the boat. Plus, the serene spot overlooks the sea and sunset, with direct access to the Mangrove Beach. Lined side-by-side, the floating cinema is also ideal for guests who want to put together a family outing, plan a special occasion or simply enjoy a relaxing date night.
Recharging at floating cinema
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The schedule for the movies that are going to be projected is up and here’s what you got:
- The Age of Adaline (2015): January 24 – 31
- One Day (2011): February 1 – 7
- Midnight In Paris (2011): February 8 – 14
- Hidden Figures (2016): February 15 – 21
- The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019): February 22 – 28
- American Made (2017): March 1 – 5
While you are watching classic films, you can refuel at Floté Cafe. From hot and cold drinks to decadent desserts, the servers bring your choices to the boats. This seamless experience makes sure that you can sit back, soak up the scene and live in the moment. The venue also offers seats on the sand and under the shade to indulge in the delicious bites.
The best part? You can read old-school Vogue editions while chilling on the beach. Or perhaps you’d prefer watching flamingos sit in the waters, as movies from 2010s run on the projected screen.
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It is advised that viewers book in advance and get their tickets from the box office (at Mangrove Beach) at least 15 minutes before the show starts at the floating cinema.
Key information
- Location: Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain, UAE
- Price: 400 AED for 2
- Cancellation: Not available unless bad weather conditions
- For reservations, contact:+971 55 200 3876
- Website: machiavellii.com