RIYADH -- Saudi Arabia launched on Wednesday its first cinema complex in Riyadh with the Black Panther movie, after 35 years of a ban on cinema theatres.

The Development and Investment Entertainment Company (DIEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), oversaw the historic launch of the Kingdom's first public cinema in collaboration with AMC Entertainment at a newly set up cinema complex at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Al Arabiya local news reported.

The launching was made with a gala event hosting prominent local and international guests. Following the formal ribbon cutting ceremony, guests filed into the cinema to watch the Hollywood blockbuster.

As part of Saudi Arabia's social and economic reform program under Vision 2030, spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Ministry of Culture and Information announced a landmark decision in December to allow commercial cinemas to operate in the Kingdom from early 2018.

Dr Awwad Alawwad, Minister of Culture and Information, said "The return of cinema to Saudi Arabia marks an important moment in the Kingdom's modern-day history and cultural life, as well as in the development of the Kingdom's entertainment industry."

He added "Today, we mark a major step in fulfilling our commitment to improving the lives of all in the Kingdom, a key pillar of Vision 2030."

According to the latest plans, Saudi Arabia will open about 350 cinemas and 2,500 screens by 2030.