The UAE: A Cinematic Playground for Hollywood and Bollywood

The Rising Star of Filmmaking

Dubai—often dubbed Hollywood’s favorite stunt double or Bollywood’s blinged-out sidekick—has established itself as a premier filming destination. The UAE’s dazzling skyscrapers and luxurious locales not only provide stunning backdrops but have become integral characters in films that don’t require dialogue to capture audiences’ hearts.

Imagine iconic moments like Tom Cruise dangling off the Burj Khalifa, Jackie Chan tearing through Business Bay in a high-speed supercar, or Shah Rukh Khan executing a diamond heist at Atlantis, The Palm—all without blinking an eye. The region’s cinematic offerings are so compelling that they deserve a star billing of their own.

The Influence of Dubai in Cinema

Renowned director Farah Khan admits that she envisioned Dubai while penning Happy New Year, crafting its ultra-luxurious environment into a central theme. Jackie Chan took to Downtown Dubai, turning it into his stunt playground, while Dishoom showcased Abu Dhabi as a daring action landscape filled with helicopters and adrenaline-fueled sequences.

In 2021, when Now You See Me 3 decided to set its illusion-filled narrative in Abu Dhabi, no one was surprised. The UAE has transitioned from a mere backdrop to a protagonist in its own right—sassy, captivating, and always ready for a close-up.

Hollywood Takes the Spotlight

The third installment of the Now You See Me franchise, directed by Ruben Fleischer, wrapped filming this year in the UAE. With stars like Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Morgan Freeman, the film captures the essence of Abu Dhabi’s iconic spots: the Louvre, Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, and the Liwa Desert. The production involved 175 UAE-based crew members, spotlighting local talent through opportunities in Emirati filmmaking.

Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol was another film that placed Dubai firmly on the cinematic map. Cruise’s breathtaking ascension of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, took over five months of meticulous planning and became one of the standout moments of the franchise.

Bollywood’s Dazzling Dance Numbers

In Bollywood, Happy New Year showcased stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone grooving against Dubai’s luxurious backdrop. The film’s narrative unfolded at Atlantis, The Palm, and premiered in Dubai, showcasing the city at its most glamorous. Similarly, Dishoom, starring John Abraham and Varun Dhawan, spent over 45 days filming in Abu Dhabi, capturing some of the most exhilarating action scenes in the region.

Meanwhile, Jackie Chan’s Kung Fu Yoga saw the star executing high-octane car chases in Downtown Dubai, and its filming locations highlighted the city’s breathtaking modernity.

A Diverse Filming Landscape

The UAE isn’t just about glitz and glamour; it offers a culturally rich tapestry that filmmakers are eager to explore. Director Ali F. Mustafa aimed to portray the true spirit of Dubai in his homegrown feature film, going beyond the glimmering surfaces to explore real-life issues that resonate with both Emiratis and expatriates alike.

Meanwhile, established stars like Salman Khan also took to the deserts, with scenes from Tiger Zinda Hai exposing the majestic Arkan Cement Factory in Al Ain to international audiences. This industrial site, combined with the stunning desert landscapes of Liwa, creates an aura unlike any other.

The UAE in the Global Context

In addition to local productions, the UAE has played a crucial role in many international projects. Star Wars: The Force Awakens utilized the untouched beauty of Al Dhafra to create the film’s desert planet, Jakku, showcasing the UAE’s diverse geographical offerings.

Filmmakers incessantly flock to this region for its varied backdrops. 6 Underground, a Netflix production starring Ryan Reynolds, filmed in locations like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside iconic landmarks such as the Grand Mosque and Yas Island. The melding of local heritage and modernity in these settings offers filmmakers a rich canvas that few other places can match.

A Look at the Future

As film productions return to the UAE post-pandemic, the landscape only appears to grow more vibrant. The Mission: Impossible series continues to thrive here, with a future set of films poised for more lucrative ties to the UAE’s picturesque locales.

With each production, the United Arab Emirates further establishes itself as a global cinematic hub—offering not only breathtaking visuals but also a unique cultural experience that resonates with filmmakers from around the world. As both Hollywood and Bollywood recognize the potential of this dynamic region, it’s clear that the UAE’s role as a cinematic playground is far from over.

The UAE’s heart beats within its towers, deserts, and beaches, waiting for the next set of stars and stories to grace its vibrant landscape. Whether you’re an avid cinema lover or a casual observer, the allure of the UAE’s contributions to contemporary filmmaking is undeniable and sets the stage for an exciting cinematic future.