Top Weekend Movies in UAE Cinemas & OTT Platforms 2025
Ready to ignite your weekend with a cinematic bang? From laugh-out-loud comedies to heart-stirring romances and high-octane dramas, this weekend’s lineup in UAE cinemas and on OTT platforms is a vibrant mix of entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood for Liam Neeson’s deadpan hilarity in The Naked Gun, the chaotic charm of Housefull 5 on Prime Video, or the emotional depth of Dhadak 2, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the must-watch releases, complete with all the details you need to plan your movie marathon in the UAE.
1. The Naked Gun (UAE Cinemas – VOX Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, Novo Cinemas)
Ever wondered what happens when Liam Neeson, the brooding action star of Taken, trades his scowl for slapstick? The Naked Gun (2025) is your answer. This reboot of the beloved comedy franchise, directed by Akiva Schaffer, sees Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., stepping into his father’s absurdly hilarious shoes to save Police Squad from closure. With a deadpan delivery that turns every chaotic scene into comedy gold, Neeson lampoons his own tough-guy persona alongside Pamela Anderson’s sultry Beth Davenport. Expect a barrage of clever gags, motorized mayhem, and cameos like Priscilla Presley reprising her role as Jane Spencer-Drebin. Premiered on July 28, 2025, at SVA Theater, the film hit UAE cinemas on August 1, 2025, earning a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes for its daffy humor. Catch it at VOX Cinemas (Mall of the Emirates, Dubai), Reel Cinemas (Dubai Mall), or Novo Cinemas (IMG Worlds of Adventure). Perfect for a popcorn-fueled laugh fest.
2. Housefull 5 (Prime Video – Streaming in the UAE)
Bollywood’s wildest comedy franchise docks on Prime Video with Housefull 5, a riotous caper set aboard a luxury cruise. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, this fifth installment stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Fardeen Khan, delivering a chaotic blend of mistaken identities, slapstick, and corny one-liners. The plot, loosely inspired by The Hangover, revolves around a murder mystery that spirals into absurd hilarity. While the humor occasionally leans on dated tropes, Kumar and Deshmukh’s comedic timing keeps the ship afloat. Filming wrapped in December 2024, and the film premiered on Prime Video on June 6, 2025. Stream it in the UAE for a dose of unapologetic Bollywood fun, but brace for a wild ride that doesn’t always stick the landing.
3. BTS ARMY: FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG (UAE Cinemas – VOX Cinemas, Reel Cinemas)
For BTS fans and curious cinephiles alike, BTS ARMY: FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG is a vibrant documentary celebrating the global phenomenon of BTS’ fandom. Screening in UAE cinemas like VOX Cinemas (Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi) and Reel Cinemas (Dubai Marina Mall), this film takes you from Seoul’s dance studios to a Texas BTS convention, showcasing the ARMY’s multigenerational, multilingual passion. It’s not just about screaming fans—it’s a heartfelt look at a community that’s strategized chart-topping success since 2013. Expect stunning choreography, hit songs like Dynamite, and stories of fans treating concerts as pilgrimages. Released on August 1, 2025, this documentary is a love letter to resilience and unity, perfect for a feel-good cinema outing.
4. Kingdom (UAE Cinemas – VOX Cinemas, Novo Cinemas)
Telugu superstar Vijay Devarakonda storms back in Kingdom, a period-action epic blending war, reincarnation, and espionage. Screening at VOX Cinemas (BurJuman, Dubai) and Novo Cinemas (Al Ain Mall), this glossy spectacle features opulent sets and high-stakes drama. Devarakonda’s fiery charisma drives a story of a hero living two lives, backed by Bhagyashri Bhorse and Satyadev Kancharana. Released on August 1, 2025, Kingdom promises slow-motion swagger, emotional depth, and battlefield grandeur. If you’re in the mood for South Indian cinema’s signature intensity, this one’s a must-watch in UAE theaters.
5. My Oxford Year (Netflix – Streaming in the UAE)
Dreamy academia meets heart-tugging romance in My Oxford Year, streaming on Netflix in the UAE from August 1, 2025. Directed by Iain Morris, this adaptation follows Anna (Sofia Carson), a New Yorker chasing her academic dreams at Oxford, only to be swept off her feet by charming professor Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest). With cobblestone paths and witty banter, the film delivers a transatlantic love story packed with charm and tough choices. Dougray Scott and Catherine McCormack add depth to this tale of ambition and romance. Perfect for a cozy night in, this is your Netflix fix for swoon-worthy vibes.
6. Dhadak 2 (UAE Cinemas – Reel Cinemas, Novo Cinemas)
Love and societal divides collide in Dhadak 2, a spiritual sequel hitting UAE cinemas like Reel Cinemas (Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai) and Novo Cinemas (Ibn Battuta Mall) on August 1, 2025. Directed by Shazia Iqbal, the film stars Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi as college sweethearts Vidhi and Nilesh, whose romance sparks a rebellion against caste and family pressures. With Zakir Hussain and Saurabh Sachdeva amplifying the drama, this stylish, emotional saga blends youthful passion with a fight for identity. Expect tears, sparks, and a story that hits hard.
Plan Your Weekend
- UAE Cinema Locations: Check showtimes at VOX Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, or Novo Cinemas across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. Book tickets via their official apps or websites (e.g., voxcinemas.com, reelcinemas.com).
- OTT Streaming: Housefull 5 and My Oxford Year are available on Prime Video and Netflix, respectively, accessible in the UAE with standard subscriptions.
- Pro Tip: For the best cinema experience, opt for IMAX or 4DX screenings of Kingdom at VOX Cinemas for immersive action, or catch The Naked Gun in Dolby Atmos for crisp comedic timing.
This weekend, whether you’re laughing with Liam Neeson, cheering for BTS’ ARMY, or swooning over Oxford’s romance, there’s a story waiting to captivate you. Grab your popcorn, settle into your couch or cinema seat, and let these films light up your weekend in the UAE.
