With its futuristic skylines, vast cinematic deserts and world-class production infrastructure, the UAE has become one of the most sought-after filming destinations in the world. From Hollywood blockbusters to global franchises, filmmakers continue to use locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi as stand-ins for futuristic cities, alien planets and adrenaline-fuelled action sequences.
Here are 18 major Hollywood movies filmed in the UAE, proving the country's growing role on the global film stage.
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Gran Turismo (2023)
Based on the true story of gamer-turned-racer Jann Mardenborough, this racing drama filmed key scenes at Dubai Autodrome, capturing a pivotal moment in the protagonist's journey from console to circuit.
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Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Tom Cruise returned to Abu Dhabi, filming inside Zayed International Airport's Terminal A and in the Rub' al Khali desert, blending cutting-edge architecture with high-stakes desert action.
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Dune (2021) & Dune: Part Two (2024)
Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter doubled as the desert planet Arrakis, forming the visual backbone of Denis Villeneuve's epic sci-fi saga starring Timothée Chalamet. Part Two extended filming to the Liwa Desert.
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Star Trek Beyond (2016)
Dubai's skyline, DIFC and JLT were transformed into a futuristic city, making the UAE a natural fit for the Star Trek universe.
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Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
One of the film's most memorable moments sees the Burj Khalifa dramatically repurposed during an alien invasion sequence.
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Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Perhaps the UAE's most iconic movie moment: Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa, cementing Dubai's place in cinema history.
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6 Underground (2019)
Michael Bay and Ryan Reynolds brought explosive action to Abu Dhabi, using the city as a backdrop for this high-energy Netflix film.
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Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
The desert planet Jakku was filmed in Liwa, with Abu Dhabi quietly becoming part of Star Wars lore.
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Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
A dramatic HALO jump scene was filmed in the UAE, later digitally transformed for the final cut.
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Furious 7 (2015)
Abu Dhabi hosted one of the franchise's most jaw-dropping stunts, featuring supercars jumping between the Etihad Towers.
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Race 3 (2018)
This Bollywood action film used multiple Abu Dhabi landmarks, including Emirates Palace and Yas Island, showcasing the capital's cinematic range.
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Syriana (2005)
One of the first major Hollywood movies filmed in Dubai, starring George Clooney and Matt Damon.
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The Misfits (2021)
Shot entirely in Abu Dhabi, this heist film starred Pierce Brosnan and was produced by local studio FilmGate Productions.
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F1 (2025)
Brad Pitt's Formula One drama filmed its climactic scenes during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, blending real racing with Hollywood storytelling.
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Now You See Me: Now You Don't (Upcoming)
The next chapter in the illusionist-heist franchise filmed major sequences at Louvre Abu Dhabi and across Yas Island.
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Dune: Part Three (2026)
Filmed largely in Liwa, the third instalment continues the UAE's deep connection to the Dune universe, with production wrapping in late 2025.
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Jack Ryan: Ghost War (Upcoming)
Actor John Krasinski was spotted filming in Dubai in early 2025 for the new Jack Ryan feature film, bringing the spy franchise back to the big screen.
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Lights, Camera, UAE
From sci-fi worlds to real-life racing circuits, the UAE has proven it can double as almost anywhere on Earth — or beyond it. With more international productions choosing the region each year, the Emirates' role in global cinema is only getting bigger.
