From mesmerizing sand dunes to futuristic skyscrapers, the UAE has become a hotspot for Hollywood filmmakers, serving as the backdrop for an array of blockbuster movies. Join us as we travel through the UAE’s iconic filming locations that have been graced by the glitz and glam of Hollywood.
Abu Dhabi’s Cinematic Canvas
6 Underground (2019)
Directed by Michael Bay, this film flaunts Abu Dhabi’s architectural wonder with a high-octane car chase unfolding on Reem Island. The movie showcases prominent locations including the Aldar Headquarters and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Dune Series (2021 & 2023)
The golden dunes of Abu Dhabi served as the perfect landscape to narrate the mystical tales of Dune and its upcoming sequel, with scenes encapsulated in the barren yet beautiful landscapes of the Empty Quarter.
Furious 7 (2015)
The Fast Saga took a grand turn towards the UAE, with Furious 7 utilizing the iconic landscapes of Abu Dhabi to stage heart-stopping car chases, prominently featuring the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and Yas Marina Circuit.
Dubai: The Future on Screen
Mission Impossible Series (2011 & 2023)
Tom Cruise’s daredevil stunt on the Burj Khalifa is unforgettable. The MI series revisits Dubai, holding the promise of thrilling sequences in prominent locales including Deira and Satwa.
Star Trek Beyond (2016)
Dubai’s futuristic vision lured the makers of Star Trek Beyond, with scenes shot in emblematic locations such as Burj Al Arab and Al Mas Tower. Dubai not only hosted the production but also the grand premiere of the film.
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
Depicting the lavish lifestyle of Wall Street magnates, the movie forayed into Dubai to capture the essence of luxury, a facet the city is well-known for.
Ras Al Khaimah: A Canvas for Every Genre
Djinn (2013) & The Other Side (2020)
From horror to inspiring tales of resilience, Ras Al Khaimah has been a canvas for diverse narratives, offering an eerie backdrop in Djinn and a silent witness to a poignant journey in The Other Side.
War Machine (2017)
Brad Pitt’s War Machine brought the deserts of Abu Dhabi and the landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah to life, portraying them as war-torn regions, adding realism to the gripping narrative.
A Legacy Began with Syriana (2005)
Syriana was the trailblazer, utilizing the UAE’s deserts to depict the middle eastern oil business narrative, establishing the region as a viable Hollywood destination.
Unsung Heroes: Movies that Shined with the UAE’s Charm
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
To bring the isolated planet of Jakku to life, J.J. Abrams turned to the unique landscapes of Abu Dhabi, leveraging locations like the Al Dhafra region and the Empty Quarter.
The Misfits (2021) & Vanguard (2020)
Pierce Brosnan’s thriller found its backdrop in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Towers complex, while Jackie Chan’s Vanguard action sequences dazzled across Dubai locales, from Downtown Dubai to City Walk, highlighting the UAE’s architectural marvels.
Conclusion
As we reel back through this captivating journey adorned with golden dunes, sprawling metropolises, and architectural wonders that paint the canvas of numerous Hollywood blockbusters, it becomes undeniably clear: the UAE stands as a beacon of endless possibilities for filmmakers around the globe.
The cinematic marriage between Hollywood and the United Arab Emirates is not just about the dazzling locations it offers but a testament to the rich tapestry of landscapes, from the untouched sands of Abu Dhabi to the futuristic skyline of Dubai and the raw beauty of Ras Al Khaimah. This synergy transcends the visual; it is a nuanced depiction of a region that harmoniously blends the old with the new, offering stories depth, cultures a window, and adventures a vivid backdrop.
So, the next time you find yourself entranced by the magnetic pull of a scene in a Hollywood blockbuster, take a moment to appreciate not just the stars who grace the screen but the unsung hero – the UAE – a place where dreams find their frame, narratives get their grounding, and cinematic visions come to life with an unmatched grandeur.
