Client: Cinemacity
Location: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Services:

• Brand Strategy

• Brand Identity

• Experience Design

• Environmental Graphics

• Signage

Project Description

Starlight was conceived as an entirely new model for ultra-luxury entertainment, redefining the traditional cinema as a destination for culture, hospitality, and social connection. Developed for Cinemacity at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, the concept combined an exclusive private members club, destination cocktail lounge, fine dining, live theatre, cultural programming, and one of the world’s most luxurious cinema experiences into a single, highly curated destination.

Ripbang developed the complete brand strategy and a family of interconnected brands that gave every experience within the destination its own distinct identity while contributing to a unified guest experience. The program included six individually branded luxury cinemas, the 1927 Speakeasy, the Starlight private members club, restaurants, bars, lounges, and event spaces, creating a collection of destinations under one roof rather than a single entertainment venue.

Inspired by renowned private clubs such as The Arts Club in London and the world’s finest boutique hotels, the arrival experience was envisioned as a sophisticated “third place” where members and guests could work, meet, socialize, dine, or attend a constantly evolving calendar of live theatre, concerts, lectures, premieres, screenings, and cultural events. The lobby became the social heart of the destination, active throughout the day and evening rather than simply serving as circulation space.

Rich materials, exceptional craftsmanship, theatrical lighting, and immersive environmental graphics established an atmosphere more closely associated with an international private club than a traditional cinema. The result was a destination where hospitality, entertainment, and culture converged to create one of the most ambitious luxury cinema concepts ever envisioned.