From Burj Khalifa to the Empty Quarter, the UAE has provided the backdrop for some of cinema’s biggest blockbusters.
The UAE has long attracted celebrities, filmmakers and global productions, and it is easy to see why. Between Abu Dhabi’s desert landscapes, Dubai’s futuristic skyline and the country’s world-class studios, the Emirates offers a setting that can shift from sci-fi cityscape to sweeping sand planet in a single scene. From Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa to Brad Pitt taking to the Yas Marina Circuit, these are the Hollywood movies that were filmed in the UAE.
6 Underground (2019)
Directed by Michael Bay, 6 Underground brought its explosive action to Abu Dhabi, with Al Reem Island serving as one of the film’s main locations. Starring Ryan Reynolds, the Netflix blockbuster made full use of the capital’s striking architecture and open roads. Eagle-eyed viewers will spot Aldar Headquarters, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain during the film’s high-octane sequences.
Dune Trilogy (2021 – 2026)
Few films feel more naturally suited to the UAE than the Dune series. The sweeping sands of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter provided the perfect setting for the desert planet of Arrakis across all three movies. With a cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Jason Momoa, the sci-fi epic used the capital’s dramatic dunes to create one of modern cinema’s most memorable landscapes.
F1 (2025)
The UAE’s motorsport credentials take centre stage in F1, starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris and Javier Bardem. Key scenes were filmed at Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport and twofour54 Studios in Abu Dhabi. The film follows Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a former racing prodigy who returns to Formula 1 to help save a struggling team.
Furious 7 (2015)
The Fast & Furious franchise finally arrived in the Emirates with Furious 7, and Abu Dhabi delivered the glamour and spectacle the series is known for. The film features luxury cars, skyline views and several of the capital’s most recognisable locations, including Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Emirates Palace and Yas Marina Circuit.
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011)
Tom Cruise’s Burj Khalifa stunt remains one of the most iconic moments ever filmed in Dubai. In Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the Hollywood actor famously scaled the world’s tallest tower, creating a sequence that helped cement Dubai’s place in blockbuster history. The film also featured locations across Deira, Satwa and Meydan Racecourse.
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (2023)
After the success of Ghost Protocol, the Mission: Impossible franchise returned to the UAE for Dead Reckoning. The cast and crew filmed in Abu Dhabi, once again using the country’s modern architecture and cinematic landscapes to support Ethan Hunt’s globe-trotting adventures, from running on the rooftops of Zayed International Airport to the exhilarating Yas Marina Circuit for a signature MI chase.
Now You See Me 3 (2025)
Abu Dhabi plays a major role in the third instalment of Now You See Me. The Louvre Abu Dhabi appears in a dramatic sequence, while Yas Island provides the backdrop for a high-speed chase. Viewers can also watch Abu Dhabi Police supercars tearing across the Sheikh Zayed Bridge. There’s also a tense exchange between Jesse Eisenberg’s Daniel Atlas and Rosamund Pike’s new character, filmed on the Yas Marina Circuit, with views that can only be captured from the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Abu Dhabi’s desert landscape became the planet Jakku in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Director J.J. Abrams used the Empty Quarter, Al Wathba Fossil Dunes and the wider Al Dhafra region to create the remote desert world where Rey’s journey begins. With picturesque locations across the emirates, filmmaker JJ Abrams knew that the force was strong with this one.
Star Trek Beyond (2016)
Dubai’s futuristic skyline made it a natural fit for Star Trek Beyond. The film was filmed across the city, including Burj Al Arab, Al Mas Tower in DMCC, Meydan and Dubai Studio City. Producer Jeffrey Chernov praised Dubai’s “world of the future” appeal, and the city later hosted the film’s red-carpet premiere. Jeffrey was convinced that since most of the movie was shot in Dubai, it was best to have a red-carpet premiere in the city as well. And that is exactly what happened.
Syriana (2005)
One of the earliest major Hollywood productions filmed in the UAE, Syriana used the country’s desert landscapes to support its story about oil, power and politics in the Middle East. Starring George Clooney, the film went on to earn the actor an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
The Misfits (2021)
Pierce Brosnan swapped Bond for Abu Dhabi in The Misfits. The action film was primarily filmed around the Etihad Towers complex, with additional scenes filmed at Louvre Abu Dhabi and Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. One scene was even shot inside Brosnan’s hotel room after weather conditions disrupted outdoor filming.
Vanguard (2020)
Jackie Chan brought his action credentials to Dubai for Vanguard. Filmed across Downtown Dubai, Dubai Studio City and City Walk, the movie features several high-impact sequences set against the city’s recognisable skyline. The film later screened at Dubai Opera.
War Machine (2017)
Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt filmed his 2017 movie, War Machine, in the UAE as well. The film delves into America’s war against Afghanistan and, naturally, needed a massive set. That’s where Abu Dhabi stepped in, effectively doubling as the war-torn nation of Afghanistan. Some of the film’s scenes were shot at ADNEC in the capital, while others were shot in Ras Al Khaimah.
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
While Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps was primarily shot in the United States, specifically on Wall Street, as the name suggests, there was still quite a bit missing. What, you ask? Luxury, of course! And that is exactly why the film shot some of its most luxurious scenes in Dubai, depicting the elite life of the rich and famous.
The Kingdom (2007)
Long before Hollywood headed to Saudi Arabia for filming, the UAE served up as the perfect Middle Eastern location. Offering similar landscapes and weather conditions, Abu Dhabi was portrayed as a very Riyadh-like city in 2007’s The Kingdom. The film, starring Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner, was based on the real-life incident of the bombing at an American facility in the Saudi capital. The iconic Emirates Palace was one of the locations where filming for The Kingdom took place.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War (2026)
John Krasinski brings Jack Ryan to Dubai in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, the feature-length continuation of the hit Prime Video series. Filming wrapped in Dubai in February 2025, with the city stepping into the spotlight as a slick backdrop for high-stakes espionage. The shoot is understood to have included scenes in DIFC, as well as at The Link at One Za’abeel, the striking sky concourse suspended 100 metres above the ground.
