PBA Entertainment & CineWaves Films to Release $2.1B Animated Epic Ne Zha 2 Across the MENA Region

The record-breaking animated epic Ne Zha: Mo Tong Nao Hai (Ne Zha 2), the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 global sensation Ne Zha: Mo Tong Jiang Shi, is set for a grand theatrical release across Bahrain, the UAE, and Oman on July 17, 2025. This significant cultural launch is led by a strategic collaboration between Dubai-based PBA Entertainment and Saudi Arabia’s CineWaves Films, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening cinematic and cultural ties between China and the Gulf region.

Following a global box office triumph with earnings exceeding USD 2.1 billion and critical acclaim reflected in its IMDb rating of 8.1 and a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Ne Zha 2 will premiere across major cinema chains including VOX, AMC, and Novo throughout the GCC. Release dates for additional North African territories will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Bahrain premiere promises to be a landmark cultural event, welcoming a distinguished guest list that includes:

• Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa
• His Excellency Mr. Ni, Ambassador of China to Bahrain
• Her Excellency Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of Bahrain
• A representative from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities
• Leading executives, diplomats, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and regional media figures

A cross-cultural cinematic masterpiece

Crafted over five years, Ne Zha 2 continues the modern reimagining of beloved Chinese mythology. In the aftermath of a devastating catastrophe, the souls of Nezha and AoBing persist, but their bodies begin to fade. In a last-ditch attempt to save them, Master Taiyi embarks on a journey to find a mystical seven-colored lotus—setting the stage for an epic saga of sacrifice, rebirth, and redemption.

The film delves into profound themes of friendship, bravery, identity, and choice, all encapsulated within a visually stunning, emotionally rich animated experience suitable for all ages.

Authentic regional experience

To ensure cultural resonance with audiences across the MENA region, Ne Zha 2 will be available in three versions:

• Original Chinese with English subtitles
• Arabic-dubbed version
• English-dubbed version

The Arabic edition is led by acclaimed Saudi animation director Malik Nejer and features a diverse voice cast using regional dialects to enhance authenticity and emotional connection.

A cultural bridge between China and the Arab world

Angela Li, founder of PBA Entertainment, commented on the project:

“At PBA, we believe storytelling is a universal bridge. Our goal is to deepen the cultural connection between two of the world’s oldest civilizations—China and the Arab world—through powerful cinematic experiences. Ne Zha 2 represents a shared ethos of courage, family, and legacy, and we are proud to bring it to MENA audiences not only in Chinese, but also in their own languages.”

A premiere to remember

The Bahrain premiere of Ne Zha 2 is more than just a glamorous red-carpet affair—it serves as a symbol of creative partnership and cross-cultural dialogue. By bringing together leaders from government, media, and the arts, the event underscores the power of film to transcend borders and foster mutual understanding through storytelling.

This release was made possible by co-distribution with Royal Sea and the support of BFC Group and VOX Cineco Cinema, whose partnerships were instrumental in staging this international cultural celebration in Bahrain.