First State-Of-The-Art IMAXÆ Theatre Opens In Middle East

His Highness The Amir Of Kuwait Attends Opening Ceremony For The Scientific Center IMAXÆ Theatre In Kuwait

18-Apr-00

The first IMAXÆ theatre located in the Middle East opened at The Scientific Center, a gift to the people of Kuwait from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS). Dedicated to the development and modernization of science and technology within the State of Kuwait, KFAS continues to sponsor basic and applied research and to fund projects that enhance the scientific, economic and social fields of Kuwait. KFAS was established upon the initiative of His Highness, The Amir of Kuwait who was in attendance at the opening along with the President of Lebanon, General Emil Lahood. ""The Scientific Center IMAX Theatre symbolizes the Kuwait nation's commitment to scientific education and environmental awareness,"" said Director General of KFAS, Dr. Ali Al Shamlan. ""This theatre, the first IMAX theatre in the Arab world, will provide a truly wonderful window which can be used to promote a greater understanding of our world to students and adults alike."" ""We are very happy to partner with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science to bring the world's most advanced film experience to the Middle East,"" said Imax Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. ""The most effective way for Imax to penetrate a new market and build its brand is through partnering with a respected institution as we did in Europe with Munich's Deutsches Museum and in the UK with the London Science Museum, and from there, to broaden our reach. We believe that this theatre will be a showcase for The IMAX ExperienceÆ in the Middle East."" ""Funded by KFAS, The Scientific Center is a premiere science education and facility located facing the sea and anchoring the Ras Al Ard harbor,"" said KFAS Representative Mijbil Almutawa. ""This project is has been in development for many years and covers an area of more than 18,600 square meters on a site that is a kilometer long. The Aquarium, Discovery Place, IMAX Theatre and Dhow Harbor at the Scientific Center will feature a hundred participatory exhibits and programs celebrating the cultural heritage and natural environment of Kuwait."" Founded in 1967, Imax Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX, TSE: IMX) has consistently delivered the world's premiere cinematic experiences. The IMAX Experience is the most powerful and involving film experience yet discovered. IMAX technology employs screens up to eight stories high - so big in fact that a whale can appear life-size. Because these screens fill the audiences peripheral vision, you have the sense of being right in the action. These large-format films take you to places you only dream of going - from the magic of space to 12,000 feet below the ocean to the top of Mount Everest and in a totally compelling way. There were more than 200 IMAX theatres in 25 countries as of December 31, 1999. More than 500 million people have seen an IMAX presentation since the medium premiered in 1970. In 1999, more than 70 million people worldwide visited an IMAX theatre. In 1997, Imax was awarded an OscarÆ for Scientific and Technical Achievement by the Academy of Motion Picture arts and Sciences.

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