DUBAI — Some Arab countries decided over the weekend to release the hit summer comedy movie "Barbie" this week, ahead of their original date delayed from July 20 to Aug. 31. Some countries have raised their age restrictions to 18.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Qatar have now moved the record-grossing film's start date to Aug. 10, according to VOX Cinemas and other regional theaters. Saudi theaters will screen the film a day earlier on Aug. 9.
Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and Egypt are so far maintaining the delayed premiere date of Aug. 31, according to industry websites. The film was screened in Tunisia and Morocco along with much of the world on July 20.
In Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Lebanon, "Barbie" currently has an age restriction of 18 pending approval at Vox Cinemas. The movie's official rating is yet to be confirmed by the country’s media council, according to Vox. Moviegoers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to see it until the final decision is made.
