Abu Dhabi is known for its striking skyline, vast desert landscapes, and world-class attractions, but it has also quietly become one of Hollywood’s favourite filming destinations. Movies filmed in Abu Dhabi over the past two decades have showcased the emirate’s unique landscapes and iconic landmarks to audiences around the world.
Over the past two decades, major studios have brought some of cinema’s biggest productions to the UAE capital, using everything from Liwa’s golden dunes to modern landmarks as backdrops for their stories.
Hosting sci-fi epics and action-packed thrillers, these are some of the most notable films that have put Abu Dhabi on the big screen.
Dune: Part One & Dune: Part Two
The endless dunes of the Liwa Desert became the foundation for Arrakis, the fictional desert world at the heart of Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed sci-fi saga Dune.
Featuring a cast led by Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem, the films relied heavily on Abu Dhabi’s natural landscape to bring Frank Herbert’s legendary universe to life, as the vast desert scenery provided an authentic backdrop.
Both films went on to become global box-office successes and further cemented the city’s reputation as a destination for large-scale productions.
Furious 7
Few Abu Dhabi filming moments are as memorable as the sequence involving a Lykan HyperSport soaring between skyscrapers.
Vin Diesel, the late great Paul Walker and the rest of the Furious 7 cast filmed scenes at several recognisable locations, including Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers.
The blockbuster’s Abu Dhabi scenes became some of the most talked-about moments in the entire franchise, with the film’s mix of luxury locations and dramatic stunts showcasing the region to audiences around the world.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Long before audiences met Rey and Finn, Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert was being transformed into the remote planet of Jakku.
The sweeping landscape played a key role in creating Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ opening setting, helping launch a new chapter in the iconic films.
Cast members, including Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Harrison Ford, filmed key scenes in the emirate as part of the production, with the location remaining one of the most famous examples of the Liwa Desert standing in for a fictional world on screen.
F1
Brad Pitt takes centre stage in this high-octane sports drama, which was filmed extensively at Yas Marina Circuit.
F1 captured real race-weekend energy during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with small cameo appearances from Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, with the production placing audiences closer than ever to the world of Formula One.
Starring Damson Idris also, the picture features collaboration with Formula One teams, with the world-famous circuit playing a significant role in bringing the story’s racing action to life.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Tom Cruise’s globe-trotting spy franchise touched down in Abu Dhabi in 2022.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One filmed at locations including Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Liwa Desert, with the city providing the backdrop for several sequences in the action-packed adventure.
Known for its spectacular practical stunts, the Mission: Impossible series regularly seeks out striking locations around the world, and Abu Dhabi was no exception.
The Kingdom
In the Kingdom, starring Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, and Chris Cooper, Abu Dhabi was used as a stand-in for locations across the Middle East.
The city’s versatility made it a practical choice for the film’s politically charged narrative and large-scale action sequences, with its downtown streets captured.
Directed by Peter Berg, the film follows a team of investigators pursuing those responsible for an attack, with Abu Dhabi’s urban settings and production infrastructure helping support the shoot.
Sonic the Hedgehog
The speedy blue gaming icon made his big-screen debut in this family adventure starring Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, and Jim Carrey.
Portions of Sonic the Hedgehog were filmed in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert, adding a dramatic natural backdrop to the film’s fast-paced storyline, which blended comedy, adventure, and action.
The Misfits
Starring Pierce Brosnan and Tim Roth, The Misfits maximised Abu Dhabi’s scenery and landmarks, capturing scenes on the Corniche and inside the Emirates Palace.
Directed by Renny Harlin, the story follows a group of unconventional criminals attempting to pull off a daring mission against a powerful billionaire, with Abu Dhabi’s diverse locations helping to create the film’s globe-spanning atmosphere.
6 Underground
Michael Bay’s 6 Underground, starring Ryan Reynolds, brought its signature style to Abu Dhabi, shooting in various locations including Al Ain, Reem Island, and Al Raha, showcasing both the city’s modern architecture and expansive desert surroundings.
The film follows a team of vigilantes who fake their deaths to carry out covert missions around the world, with the city providing the backdrop for several high-energy scenes.
If it’s doubling as a distant planet, hosting high-speed chases, or capturing the excitement of a Formula One weekend, the capital has become a regular feature in some of the world’s biggest films.
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