On May 4, 1943, a significant milestone was achieved in the cultural history of the United Arab Emirates: the first cinematic film was shown, and so the first “screening place” was launched. This event took place in Sharjah, within the premises now occupied by the Al Mahatta Museum. 

During World War II, Sharjah served as a strategic location for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF squadron stationed there was tasked with protecting Allied ships operating in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman from the threats posed by German U-boats, as well as Japanese and Italian submarines.

RAF Sharjah played a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in the region during the war. Although the base was small, it was vital for resupplying Allied lines and countering Axis submarine activities.

The squadron operated Bristol Blenheim aircraft, notorious for their mechanical issues and engine failures. To boost the morale of people, the decision was made to establish a cinema.

This outdoor cinema, with its unique seating made from used petrol tins and water cans, quickly became a popular entertainment venue. Both RAF soldiers and the local Emirati population attended screenings, creating a unique cultural melting pot and a truly collective experience that the Lumiere brothers implied when creating the very first cinema in the history of mankind (Edison vs Lumieres debate can now begin). 

The screen was projected onto a wall that can still be viewed behind the courtyard of Al Mahatta Museum today.

The establishment of the cinema was documented in the operations record books kept by the troops, which are now housed in the UK National Archives. As for the programme, as stated in the documentation file: “Most of the films are Hollywood productions, with a small number of British-made films also shown. Some films are preceded by newsreels and factual short films. Many film titles indicate subject matter that reflects the era in which they were produced (during and immediately after the Second World War), such as Laurel and Hardy's Air Raid Wardens.”

The RAF base in Sharjah remained operational until December 1971, when it ceased military activities and was repurposed into Sharjah’s international airport. In 1977, the base was finally closed to make way for a new airport. Today, the remnants of the base, including the control tower, hangar, and the original Imperial Airways guesthouse, form part of the Al Mahatta Museum. This museum now stands as a testament to the aviation history of the Gulf and the cultural heritage of the UAE.

The establishment of the first cinema in Sharjah in 1943 was surely a pivotal moment in the UAE's cultural history. It marked the beginning of a cinematic journey that continues to evolve today. As we delve into the past, piecing together memories and historical records, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and diverse heritage that shapes the UAE's contemporary cultural landscape. The Al Mahatta Museum stands as a reminder of these early cinematic days, preserving the legacy of a time when the magic of film first captured the imaginations of those in Sharjah.