UAE: A Rising Star in the World of Filmmaking

Over the past two decades, United Arab Emirates had successfully transformed into one of the most popular destinations not only for real estate investors, entrepreneurs, IT and crypto professionals and International Corporations, but also for global movie industries, including Hollywood and Bollywood.

With its unique blend of futuristic cityscapes, vast deserts and iconic landmarks, UAE is offering a variety of settings for a wide range of film genres. From early productions like Syriana to more recent blockbusters, the country has steadily attracted filmmakers worldwide, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

Early Films: Paving the Way

One of the earliest Hollywood films to be filmed in UAE was “Syriana” (2005), a political thriller starring George Clooney. While much of the film dealt with global geopolitics and oil, parts of the production were shot in Dubai, marking one of the first times the UAE was prominently featured in a major Hollywood film. This production helped establish UAE as a viable shooting location for complex high-budget international movies, thanks to its modern infrastructure and visually striking settings.

Around the same time, “The Kingdom” (2007) was another notable film shot in parts of UAE. Though the film was set in Saudi Arabia, UAE’s adaptable environment provided a perfect backdrop for the action-packed scenes.

The Hollywood Blockbuster Boom

Hollywood’s interest in UAE truly exploded with a well-known blockbuster – “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” (2011). The now-famous scene of Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa became iconic, showcasing Dubai’s futuristic skyline and recognizing UAE’s appeal as an action-film destination. Following this, the “Fast & Furious” franchise chose Abu Dhabi for “Fast & Furious 7” (2015), where the city’s luxury, glamour, and striking architecture played central roles in one of the film’s most memorable action sequences.

Another major Hollywood production, “Star Trek Beyond” (2016), also chose Dubai for its futuristic aesthetic, using certain parts of city as a stand-in for a spaceport scene. Dubai’s advanced infrastructure provided a perfect canvas for the Star Trek universe, where cutting-edge technology met sleek, modern designs. This was yet another testament to the versatility of the UAE’s urban landscape.

“Independence Day: Resurgence” (2016) was another blockbuster that featured iconic shots of certain parts of UAE. The movie, which showcased a battle between the Earth military forces agains alien invaders, included Dubai’s skyscrapers in its stunning visual effects, integrating UAE into its grand storytelling.

Additionally, UAE’s sweeping desert landscapes were utilized in “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004), a disaster film depicting catastrophic climate change. Although not all scenes were shot in the country, the region’s deserts were used for some of the more dramatic post-apocalyptic shots, foreshadowing how UAE’s natural beauty would later be a key asset for sci-fi films like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015), where the desert of Abu Dhabi became wastelands of the fictional planet Jakku.

In 2019, the UAE once again took center stage with the Netflix blockbuster “6 Underground” directed by Michael Bay. The high-octane action film, starring Ryan Reynolds, featured a number of adrenaline-pumping sequences filmed across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. UAE’s striking natural landscapes and modern architecture, including the Liwa Desert and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s intense car chases, explosive stunts, and futuristic visuals. With its stunning portrayal of the country, “6 Underground” further showcased UAE’s growing appeal as a prime location for large-scale, action-packed productions.

Bollywood’s Love Affair with the UAE

Bollywood’s connection with UAE began as early as the early 2000s, with films such as “Deewane Huye Paagal” (2005) and “Partner” (2007) utilizing the picturesque skyline and luxurious landmarks of Dubai. However, it was the blockbuster hit “Welcome” (2007) that firmly cemented UAE as a favorite shooting destination for Indian cinema. With its glamorous setting and energetic city life, Dubai became synonymous with high-budget Bollywood films.

In “Race” (2008) and “Happy New Year” (2014), Bollywood filmmakers continued to use the UAE’s striking architecture and scenic beauty to craft elaborate dance sequences and action scenes, appealing not only to Indian audiences but also resonating with the large expatriate population in the country.

Other International Productions

Apart from Hollywood and Bollywood, filmmakers from other industries have also found UAE to be a perfect location for certain scenes in their movies. For example, the Chinese-Indian action film “Kung Fu Yoga” (2017), starring Jackie Chan, was partially shot in Dubai, further showcasing UAE’s appeal to diverse audiences.

The UAE has also hosted popular television productions and commercials. Shows like “Top Gear” and “The Amazing Race” have filmed in UAE, taking advantage of its dramatic landscapes, from desert dunes to urban skylines, as settings for adventure and competition.

Why the UAE?

The UAE’s rise as a film hub can be attributed to several factors:

1. Unique Landscapes: UAE offers diverse filming environments, from futuristic cities to sprawling deserts, which can stand in for a wide range of locations or fictional worlds.
2. World-Class Infrastructure: UAE’s advanced transportation networks, cutting-edge technology, and luxury accommodations provide the necessary support for large-scale productions.
3. Generous Incentives: Initiatives like Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 and Dubai’s Studio City have rolled out competitive incentives, including tax rebates, efficient filming permits, and access to top-tier production facilities.
4. Global Connectivity: With its central location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, UAE is easily accessible for international film crews, making it a convenient choice for global productions.
5. Government Support: UAE government has actively supported the growth of the film industry by simplifying regulations and encouraging international filmmakers to explore the country’s potential.

The UAE’s Cinematic Future

As more filmmakers from Hollywood, Bollywood, and other industries choose UAE for their productions, the country is set to remain a key player in global cinema. With 2024’s blockbusters like “Dune: Part Two” which featured the vast desert landscapes of UAE as a setting for the planet Arrakis, as well as more movie projects coming soon, UAE’s cinematic influence is only growing.

The UAE is not only becoming a playground for international productions but also fostering local talent and encouraging the growth of Emirati cinema. With its perfect mix of modernity and tradition, the UAE’s role as a major film destination is poised to continue expanding for years to come.