When you think of blockbuster movie sets, your mind might first wander to New York’s skyline, the mystic pyramids of Egypt, or the sweeping hills of New Zealand. But filmmakers from Hollywood and Bollywood have increasingly been turning their cameras to a new favorite backdrop—the United Arab Emirates. With its striking blend of futuristic cities, untouched deserts, and rich cultural heritage, the UAE offers a visual feast for directors and cinematographers alike.
From the glimmering towers of Dubai to the timeless sands of Liwa, here’s a look at some of the most stunning UAE filming locations that have graced global screens.
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Featured in: Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
You can’t talk about iconic UAE filming locations without starting with the world’s tallest building. In Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Tom Cruise famously scaled the dizzying heights of Burj Khalifa without a stunt double. The scene instantly became one of the most talked-about stunts in cinema history.
Beyond the action, the glass-clad tower and panoramic views over Dubai served as the ultimate symbol of adrenaline and modernity.
Why it works: Dramatic visuals, unmatched height, and sleek, cinematic architecture.
2. Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi
Featured in: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
For those otherworldly, sweeping sandscapes, Hollywood heads straight to the Liwa Desert. This location was transformed into the desert planet of Jakku in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, blending sci-fi wonder with real desert beauty.
With dunes stretching beyond the eye can see and sunsets that paint the sky in deep orange and gold, Liwa is a filmmaker’s dream for epic scenes and emotional silence.
Why it works: Timeless, raw, and cinematic in every light.
3. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Featured in: Fast & Furious 7 (2015), Race 3 (2018)
Luxury doesn’t get more visual than this. With its gold interiors, opulent chandeliers, and sweeping marble staircases, Emirates Palace has become a go-to filming spot for scenes of wealth and grandeur.
In Fast & Furious 7, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker drive a Lykan Hypersport through the windows of Etihad Towers, but the nearby Emirates Palace provides the mood of extravagance for quieter dramatic scenes. Bollywood’s Race 3 also used the palace to show off its glamour-loving characters.
Why it works: Regal elegance meets cinematic scale.
4. Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi
Featured in: Fast & Furious 7 (2015)
If you’ve seen Dom’s Lykan hypersport soar from tower to tower, you’ve seen Etihad Towers in action. These five futuristic skyscrapers became central to one of the most explosive car stunts ever filmed in the Fast & Furious franchise.
Whether lit up at night or gleaming in the daylight, Etihad Towers add a futuristic, tech-luxe vibe that works well in high-octane sequences.
Why it works: Bold architecture and a sleek silhouette against Abu Dhabi’s skyline.
5. Downtown Dubai
Featured in: Welcome Back (2015)
In this Bollywood sequel, Dubai wasn’t just a backdrop—it was practically a character. The film splashes across the city, from Atlantis The Palm to Meydan Racecourse and Dubai Marina. But Downtown Dubai, with its fountains, designer boutiques, and wide plazas, stole the spotlight.
The energy of the area captured the vibe Bollywood loves: fast-paced, glamorous, and full of life.
Why it works: Offers a complete lifestyle shot—from opulence to action.
6. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi
Featured in: 6 Underground (2019), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Located deep in the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), Qasr Al Sarab is not just a resort—it’s an escape into another world. Its stone walls, palm-filled courtyards, and golden surroundings make it ideal for sequences requiring luxury and isolation.
Michael Bay couldn’t resist using it in both Transformers and 6 Underground, and it’s not hard to see why.
Why it works: Isolated yet indulgent—perfect for tension-filled narratives.
7. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, Abu Dhabi
Featured in: Dune: Part Two (2024)
The surreal, wind-carved formations at Al Wathba look like the surface of another planet. That’s why it’s featured in the latest Dune installment, which was partially shot across Abu Dhabi.
The alien-like structures, especially during golden hour, give cinematographers otherworldly textures without ever leaving Earth.
Why it works: Naturally surreal; untouched by human design.
8. Dubai Marina and JBR
Featured in: Bharat (2019), Syriana (2005)
When Bollywood meets the beachside city vibe, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) are often top picks. The bustling skyline, waterfront cafes, and lively boardwalks give energy to romantic and action-packed scenes alike.
Bharat, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, showcases the area’s vibrant feel, while Syriana used the same region for grittier political drama.
Why it works: Perfect mix of urban glam and Middle Eastern charm.
9. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Featured in: Star Trek Beyond (2016)
In this futuristic installment of the Star Trek franchise, parts of Dubai’s DIFC and the Business Bay area doubled as a far-future city. Their ultra-modern buildings, walkways, and skylines gave the illusion of a civilization far ahead of ours—without relying on CGI alone.
Why it works: Feels like the future, today.
10. Hatta Mountains, Dubai
Featured in: Bollywood music videos, independent films
For something completely different from the polished towers of the cities, the Hatta Mountains provide rocky terrain, fresh water dams, and winding roads.
It’s a favorite among Indian music video directors and Emirati indie filmmakers looking to juxtapose tradition and wilderness against emotion and action.
Why it works: Natural beauty, moody atmospheres, and great drone shots.
Final Scene: Why the UAE Is a Filmmaker’s Paradise
The UAE’s versatility is what makes it irresistible to filmmakers. You can shoot a desert epic in the morning, a futuristic sci-fi chase in the afternoon, and wrap up with a luxurious ballroom drama by evening—all without leaving the country.
More than just a filming destination, the UAE offers infrastructure, incentives, and a cultural openness that welcomes global creativity. With each new blockbuster or indie feature shot here, the Emirates aren’t just showing up in the credits—they’re becoming a character in the story.
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