With its futuristic skyscrapers, quirky royal residences and majestic desert, Dubai has been the star of high-profile blockbusters and the backdrop of many famous music videos. You can feel like the hero of an action movie or a fantasy saga as you walk into Hollywood film locations with the help of our selection of films shot in Dubai. So: lights, camera, Dubai, action!
“6 underground”, 2019
Filming took place in several countries, including the UAE in the desert in Liwa, Aldar HQ, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Etihad Tower, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Yas Marina Circuit. By the way, the latter location from the list can be an exciting experience if you take a car on rent in Dubai and drive around the track and other locations as well. Today, this service is gaining incredible popularity because rental of luxury cars has become more affordable. So the rental providers will try to offer the full immersion in the best driving experience.
“Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol”, 2011
The biggest blockbuster ever filmed in Dubai. The scene in which the hero of Tom Cruise – Ethan Hunt – hangs on the Burj Khalifa skyscraper at a height of almost 830 meters, has become one of the most iconic in the film.
Fun Fact: The Burj Khalifa stunt alone took 23 working days to film, with 400 crew members providing security for Tom Cruise, who insisted on filming the stunt in person.
In the role of Ethan Hunt, more precisely in safer conditions, you can find yourself on Burj Khalifa on one of the observation decks: At the Top, which occupies the 124th and 125th floors of the tower, or At the Top SKY, the world’s highest observation deck, having risen to a height of more than 550 meters above the ground, on the 148th floor.
“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens”, 2015
This episode was the most anticipated movie of 2015 and didn’t disappoint fans when it finally hit the screens. Parts of the film were filmed in the Rub al-Khali desert, which became the fictional planet of Jakku.
It is said that the authorities of the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi are planning to place props and scenery left after filming in the new museum. The location of the museum has not yet been determined, however, most likely, the museum will be built on Saadiyat Island.
“Syriana”, 2005
The machinations of major oil companies, the life of Arab sheikhs and contract killings – the interweaving of many storylines creates tension that grows every minute. The success of the film is facilitated not only by the twisted plot, but also by the stellar cast in the person of George Clooney and Matt Damon. This blockbuster was filmed at 15 different locations in the US, Morocco, Egypt, Switzerland and director/writer Steven Gahan chose Dubai for the desert scenes. You can follow in the footsteps of a film crew with an amazing day in the desert dunes. An adventure not to be missed while in Dubai! Or you can explore the desert at night, watching the starry dome.
“Kung Fu Yoga”, 2017
This is the story of a famous archeology professor from China, played by Jackie Chan, who goes with a young Indian professor in search of missing treasures in Tibet. The treasure hunt takes them to Dubai, where Jackie Chan’s character is trying to wrest the artifact from the hands of the kidnappers with the help of his rich friend.
The movie was filmed in Dubai for about a month. On the screen you can see the main attractions of the metropolis, with its Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, the desert and the grandiose Al Marmoom camel race track, located deep in the desert conservation area, which gives an idea of how the ancient tradition is interpreted today.
“Star Trek Beyond”, 2016
Filming of the sci-fi blockbuster took place in Dubai in July 2015 The Emirate has become the star base of Yorktown, where the Starship Enterprise team stays during their intergalactic journey. The premiere of the film took place in July 2016 and was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the release of the first film in the Star Trek series. Spectators saw the legendary futuristic skyscrapers of Dubai, including the landmarks of Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Today, all fans of the franchise can visit the filming locations where epic events unfolded. Filming locations in Dubai included Burj Al Arab, Downtown Dubai, Meydan Racecourse, JLT and Sheikh Zayed Road.
A trip to the UAE is a trip to the land of fantasy come true. People come here all year round to relax on clean sandy beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. But if you are a big fan of cinema, then you have at least 6 more reasons to spend your vacation in Dubai.
