The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has become sought-after for filmmakers worldwide, with several famous movies filmed in the UAE. Its futuristic skylines, luxurious hotels, expansive deserts, and modern infrastructure make it a versatile backdrop for a variety of movie genres. Here are some of the most famous movies filmed in the UAE:
Hollywood Blockbusters
1. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
One of the most iconic movies shot in Dubai is “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” Tom Cruise famously scaled the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, performing his own stunts. The movie showcases Dubai’s futuristic skyline and luxurious settings, cementing its place in Hollywood history with famous scenes filmed here.
2. Fast & Furious 7 (2015)
3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” filmed several scenes in Abu Dhabi, using the vast desert landscapes to represent the desert planet Jakku. The stunning visuals of the UAE’s deserts added a realistic and immersive backdrop for one of the most iconic sci-fi franchises in film history. It also featured the cream of the UAE’s DJ community as extras including: Smokingroove, Mark Pickup, and Drinky.
4. Star Trek Beyond (2016)
“Star Trek Beyond” used Dubai’s ultra-modern architecture to represent a futuristic space station known as YorkTown. Filming took place in various locations, including Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah Lakes Towers, making the city look like a setting straight out of a sci-fi film, another example of famous movies filmed in the UAE.
Bollywood Hits
5. Happy New Year (2014)
This Bollywood blockbuster, starring Shah Rukh Khan, features several scenes filmed in Dubai. Key locations include the Atlantis The Palm and the luxurious hotels along the Palm Jumeirah, showcasing the city’s opulence and grandeur.
6. Race (2008)
“Race” is another Bollywood thriller that extensively used Dubai’s iconic landmarks. The film’s high-speed car chases and dramatic scenes were shot against the backdrop of the city’s highways and towering skyscrapers, adding to the number of famous films shot in the UAE.
Other Notable Films
7. Syriana (2005)
Starring George Clooney and Matt Damon, “Syriana” includes scenes filmed in the UAE’s desert landscapes. The movie’s dramatic desert sequences add to the film’s intense political narrative, using the region’s natural beauty to enhance the story.
8. 6 Underground (2019)
This Netflix original film, directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds, was partly shot in Abu Dhabi. The movie features high-adrenaline action scenes with the Abu Dhabi skyline, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Louvre Abu Dhabi serving as stunning backdrops.
9. Kung Fu Yoga (2017)
This Chinese-Indian film, starring Jackie Chan, includes several action-packed scenes shot in Dubai. Among the numerous films documented here, this movie showcases landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and Atlantis The Palm, blending martial arts with Dubai’s scenic locales.
Why the UAE?
The UAE’s appeal to filmmakers lies in its diverse and visually striking locations. From the towering Burj Khalifa and luxurious Palm Jumeirah to the vast, cinematic deserts, the UAE offers a variety of settings that can stand in for multiple locations around the world. Additionally, the UAE government offers significant incentives for filmmakers, including tax breaks and waived visa fees, which contribute to famous movies being filmed in the UAE.
Future Prospects
With its unique blend of modernity and tradition, the UAE will likely continue to be a hotspot for international filmmakers. Upcoming projects are expected to leverage the country’s state-of-the-art film studios and diverse landscapes, further establishing the UAE as a premier destination for the global film industry. Famous movies filmed in the UAE will keep drawing attention from around the world.
For more insights into the latest trends and developments in the UAE’s film scene, visit What’s Hot in UAE.
