From Hollywood hits to Bollywood extravaganzas, discover why the UAE is made for the big screen.
From Tom Cruise’s iconic climb up Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to Dune: Part Three returning to Abu Dhabi’s expansive desert landscapes, the UAE has established itself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile filming destinations. Over the years, the country has doubled as everything from a high-altitude action arena to alien worlds, futuristic cities and vast desert landscapes — all within the Arabian Peninsula.
Few scenes showcase the UAE’s cinematic potential better than Cruise’s daring Burj Khalifa stunt in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. The sequence required months of preparation, specialised equipment and extensive logistical planning, including approvals for helicopter operations around the landmark. The result was one of the most memorable action sequences in modern film history.
But the UAE’s appeal as a filming destination extends far beyond blockbuster stunts. Its diverse landscapes have transformed into distant planets, historical backdrops and futuristic worlds, with productions such as Dune: Part Three once again showcasing Abu Dhabi’s vast deserts on the global stage.
From Hollywood blockbusters and Bollywood spectacles to Korean dramas, here are seven more films and K-dramas shot across the UAE that highlight why the country has become a natural star of the big screen.
1) Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Forget travelling light years — one of cinema’s most iconic alien worlds was brought to life right here in Abu Dhabi. Director J.J. Abrams transformed parts of the UAE capital’s Al Dhafra region into Jakku, the desert planet where Rey’s journey begins in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The production showcased Abu Dhabi’s dramatic landscapes, including the vast dunes of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world’s largest continuous sand desert, as well as the striking Al Wathba Fossil Dunes. With their rugged terrain and otherworldly appearance, these locations provided the perfect backdrop for a distant galaxy — proving that fans do not need a spaceship to experience a piece of the Star Wars universe.
2) Genie: Make a Wish
Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy flying around the Burj Khalifa? Yes, please.
Netflix’s fantasy romance Genie: Make a Wish featured UAE locations as part of its production, showcasing the country’s iconic architecture and stunning landscapes as part of its magical world. The series brought Dubai’s futuristic skyline and distinctive scenery to the screen, adding a touch of grandeur to its fantasy setting.
3) Bharat (2019)
Salman Khan and director Ali Abbas Zafar brought the sweeping period drama Bharat to Abu Dhabi, using the UAE’s diverse landscapes to recreate different periods of the story. The production spanned four locations, including the Liwa Desert, Al Wathba and Al Ain, where a massive set replicating a 1970s oilfield was constructed.
Meanwhile, twofour54’s Kizad backlot was transformed into an Arabian marketplace for the film. With more than 200 international crew members and around 1,400 extras involved, the UAE shoot matched the movie’s grand scale — proving that recreating decades of history requires a production of equally epic proportions.
4) Star Trek Beyond (2016)
When filmmakers needed a vision of the future, Dubai’s futuristic skyline proved to be the perfect backdrop. Star Trek Beyond transformed some of the city’s most iconic landmarks into the film’s fictional “futureland”, showcasing Dubai as an advanced, otherworldly metropolis.
The sci-fi adventure featured locations including the Burj Al Arab, Al Mas Tower at DMCC, Central Park in DIFC, Meydan and Dubai Studio City sound stages. The 13-day shoot brought Hollywood stars such as Chris Pine and Idris Elba to Dubai, further highlighting the city’s appeal as a destination for futuristic filmmaking.
5) Bang Bang (2014)
When Bollywood needed a location that could stand in for destinations around the world, Abu Dhabi proved to be the perfect choice. Bang Bang brought its blend of romance, action and adventure to the UAE, using the capital’s iconic landmarks and dramatic landscapes as the backdrop for its international storyline.
Starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, the film was shot across several Abu Dhabi locations, including Yas Island, Emirates Palace, Marina Mall, Hyatt Capital Gate and the Liwa Oasis. Adding to the cinematic transformation, Hyatt Capital Gate was reimagined as an MI6 headquarters in London, showcasing the UAE’s ability to double as locations far beyond its borders.
6) Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomikkadha (2011)
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and director Priyadarshan reunited for this comedy adventure, marking their 43rd collaboration.
The film was shot across several UAE locations, including a grand villa in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa City, the Corniche, Yas Island and Al Ain. The country’s blend of modern cityscapes, desert landscapes and luxury settings provided a vibrant backdrop for the film’s mix of comedy, drama and adventure.
7) F1 (2025)
F1 brought Hollywood’s need for speed to Abu Dhabi, with filming taking place at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. Starring Brad Pitt, the racing drama used the UAE’s world-famous Formula 1 venue to capture the intensity and excitement of professional motorsport, turning one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks into a cinematic racing arena.
