Top movies for January 2026 in UAE cinemas
Are you looking to de-stress with a bit of escapism? Does watching the latest blockbuster on the big screen while sipping refreshing drinks and munching on tasty snacks float your boat? If yes, we’ve got good news! Join us to check out the biggest movies in the UAE, releasing in January 2026.
LIST OF UPCOMING MOVIES IN THE UAE
The list of top movies in the UAE releasing in January is impressive. So, whether you’re looking for a comedy or an action-packed thriller, you will find one. Let’s have a look.
ENGLISH RELEASES
Mark your calendars and book your tickets as we list the best English movies releasing in the country during January.
BENEATH THE LIGHT
When Jacob takes a job at an isolated lighthouse, he hopes to reconnect with a childhood friend. But the reality is different as he endures strange events, causing anxiety and distress. Can something good come of it?
- Release Date: 1st January
- Genre: Horror
- Starring: Zach Tinker, John Pyper-Ferguson and Ana Nicolle Chavez
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic
AFFINITY
Are there any top action film releases this time, you ask? Affinity could be the one you are looking for. Bruno, an ex-navy SEAL, finds love again after a traumatic life. But when she disappears, his only option is to return to his violent ways to bring her back.
- Release Date: 1st January
- Genre: Action
- Starring: Louis Mandylor, Marko Zaror and Brooke Ence
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic, English
SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
A boy observes his parents being killed by someone wearing a Santa costume. As he grows up, he plots his revenge.
Among the most anticipated horror movies releasing in January, you wouldn’t want to miss this one.
- Release Date: 1st January
- Genre: Horror
- Starring: Ruby Modine, Rohan Campbell and Mark Asheson
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic
GREENLAND 2: MIGRATION
Among the top film releases in January 2026 is Greeland 2: Migration. Starring Gerard Butler, it looks at the life of the Garrity family, who have to rebuild their future as the world is nearly destroyed after a comet has hit the Earth.
- Release Date: 1st January
- Genre: Action
- Starring: Gerard Butler, Roman Griffin Davis and Morena Baccarin
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic, English
DOLPHIN BOY 2
One for fans of animated films, Dolphin Boy 2 brings you a tale of a boy raised by Dolphins as he fights sea-born monsters, saves the island and becomes a hero.
- Release Date: 8th January
- Genre: Animation
- Starring: Lydia Christina Robinson, Kopylov Grigory and Chris D Renaud
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic
28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE
The epic battle for survival continues as Nia DaCosta turns the original story on its head.
- Release Date: 15th January
- Genre: Horror
- Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Jerry O’Connell and Alfie Williams
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic
GIANT
This is one of the biggest movies releasing in January. It explores the astounding life story of Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed, a British-Yemeni boxer, who becomes a world champion under the guidance of Brendan Ingle.
- Release Date: 15th January
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Mena Massoud, Amir El Masri and Pierce Brosnan
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic, English
PRIMATE
A group of friends travel to a tropical destination only for it turn into a nightmare.
- Release Date: 22nd January
- Genre: Horror
- Starring: Jessica Alexander, Johnny Sequoyah, Troy Kotsur, Victoria Wyant and Gia Hunter
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic, English
INDIAN/BOLLYWOOD MOVIES IN THE UAE RELEASING IN JANUARY
Want to know about new movie releases in the UAE from Bollywood? This list has you covered if you’re searching for the best Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi or Malayalam movies to watch this January.
MINDIYUM PARANJUM
Start the month with this Malayalam starter. A romantic drama, this film explores love & longing.
- Release Date: 1st January
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Aparna Balamurali, Unni Mukundan and Jude Antony
- Language: Malayalam
- Subtitles: Arabic, English
THE RAJA SAAB
A popular action flick among the movies releasing in January, The Raja Saab depicts the life of a young heir who channels his royal heritage and rebellious spirit to establish his rule.
- Release Date: 9th January
- Genre: Action
- Starring: Nidhhi Agerwal, Sanjay Dutt and Prabhas
- Language: Telugu and Hindi
- Subtitles: Arabic and English
JANA NAYAGAN
A former police officer goes into a battle beyond revenge to protect a child. Will he succeed or will the forces around him put a stop to it?
- Release Date: 9th January
- Genre: Action
- Starring: Pooja Hegde, Boby Deol and Vijay
- Language: Tamil and Hindi
- Subtitles: Arabic and English
PARASAKTHI
Looking for thrillers? Head to the cinemas as this film is likely to keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Release Date: 10th January
- Genre: Thriller
- Starring: Sivakarthikeyan, Sreeleela and Atharvaa Murali
- Language: Tamil and Hindi
- Subtitles: Arabic and English
CHATHA PACHA
In Fort Kochi, three brothers and their crew become a part of the wild world of WWE-style costumed wrestling. But things take a more serious turn as the hustle explodes.
- Release Date: 22nd January
- Genre: Action
- Starring: Roshan Mathew, Vishak Nair, Arjun Ashokan, Ishan Shoukath and Khalid Al Ameri
- Language: Malayalam and Hindi
- Subtitles: Arabic and English
PENNU CASE
A young woman, a marriage scammer and lots of numerous laugh out loud situations…Pennu Case will tickle your funny bone.
- Release Date: 26th January
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Nikhila Vimal and Hakkim Shajahan
- Language: Malayalam
- Subtitles: Arabic and English
OTHER NEW MOVIES IN THE UAE
Here’s an overview of foreign language releases coming to UAE cinemas in January 2026.
AL MAJHOLA
On our list of movies releasing in January is a popular Arabic drama. An unclaimed, unverifiable body is recovered in the desert. When everyone else gives up, the police department’s receptionist, the only female employee on the team, goes on a mission to find answers.
- Release Date: 1st January
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Mila Zahrani, Shafi Al Harthy, Azeez Gharbawi, Aouhood Al Jadaan and Adwa Al Asiri
- Language: Arabic
- Subtitles: English
NO OTHER CHOICE
Next among the movies releasing this January is No Other Choice. A Korean flick, this one is a tale of a veteran paper mill manager who turns violent after a humiliating firing.
- Release Date: 8th January
- Genre: Comedy
- Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Park Hee-soon and Son Ye-jin
- Language: Korean
- Subtitles: English
EN GHAB EL KOT
Among the movies releasing this January is an Arabic comedy. Zain’s life becomes interesting when it is revealed that he resembles a prolific thief, ‘the Cat’. To make matters worse, his fiancée is tasked with bringing the thief to justice, causing all kinds of confusion and misery for the poor chap.
- Release Date: 8th January
- Genre: Comedy
- Starring: Asser Yassine, Ali Sobhy, Asmaa Galal and Mohamed Shahin
- Language: Arabic
- Subtitles: English
PALESTINE 36
Head to the cinemas to watch the story of 1936 Palestine where Palestinians rise against the British as the number of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe rises.
- Release Date: 29th January
- Genre: Biographical
- Starring: Kamel El Basha, Hiam Abbass and Yasmine Al Massri
- Language: Arabic
- Subtitles: English
FAQS ABOUT MOVIES IN THE UAE CINEMAS
WHERE CAN I WATCH THESE MOVIES?
If you wish to watch new movies in the UAE, several options are available. These movies are screened at popular theatre chains in Dubai, including Reel Cinemas, VOX Cinemas, Roxy Cinemas, Cinema Akil and Novo. You can also visit the VOX Drive-in Theatre at the Mall of the Emirates.
You can also enjoy films from the Sharjah International Film Festival (SIFF) in cinemas, featuring selections from regions such as Spain, Korea and more.
WHERE CAN I BUY MOVIE TICKETS IN DUBAI?
You can buy tickets through the official cinema websites or box offices. Book your ticket for the new movie releases in the UAE early to avoid missing out. For the movies to be released in January 2026 in the UAE, you can also buy tickets with special credit card discounts.
ARE THERE ANY THEATRES IN THE UAE?
There are many theatres in the UAE where you can enjoy a wide range of shows, from modern to classical. With its multicultural population, the UAE has an audience for movies of all types. So, you can easily find films in various languages and from different industries. Movie fans can also watch superhit movies that are shot in Dubai.
That concludes our guide to the upcoming movies in the UAE. When the mercury drops, you can always head to the finest outdoor cinemas in Dubai for a comfortable viewing experience.
