Famous Movie Filming Locations Across the UAE You Can Visit in 2026

11 hours ago
4 min read

Standing in front of the Burj Khalifa on a golden afternoon, it is easy to see why directors from Hollywood to Mumbai fall in love with the United Arab Emirates. From futuristic architectural marvels in Dubai to vast sweeping desert dunes in Abu Dhabi, the UAE has become one of global cinema's most iconic backdrops.

As a long-time resident, one of my absolute favorite weekend activities is visiting these real-life movie sets. Whether you want to retrace Tom Cruise's daring stunts or step into a galaxy far, far away, here is your ultimate guide to famous filming locations across the UAE that you can actually visit in 2026.

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

Infinity Dunes series — representative image, photo by daniel olah via unsplash

No movie location list in the UAE is complete without the world's tallest building. In *Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol*, Tom Cruise personally scaled the glass exterior of the Burj Khalifa in one of the most heart-stopping action sequences in cinematic history.

While scaling the outer glass requires Ethan Hunt levels of clearance, visitors can easily access the At The Top observation decks on levels 124, 125, and 148. For film enthusiasts, taking the high-speed elevator up to view the city from above gives you a terrifying appreciation of the sheer scale of Cruise's stunt.

Location: Downtown Dubai
Best spot for photos: The Boardwalk at Dubai Fountain
Key scene: Ethan Hunt climbing the tower's glass facade

Pro Tip: Book your At The Top tickets during sunset hours to see the exact lighting transition captured in Hollywood blockbusters.

2. Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi: Star Wars: The Force Awakens & Dune

a view of a city at night from the top of a skyscraper — representative image, photo by photohound via unsplash

The majestic, towering red sand dunes of the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi's Western Region served as the desert planet Jakku in *Star Wars: The Force Awakens* and played a major role in Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic *Dune*.

Driving through Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter) feels like landing on an alien planet. You can stay at luxury desert resorts like Qasr Al Sarab or arrange a dune bashing safari to experience the exact landscapes featured on the big screen.

Location: Rub' al Khali, Abu Dhabi
Movies filmed here: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Dune, Fast & Furious 7
Best time to visit: November to March for cooler desert weather

3. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi: Fast & Furious 7

Meydan bridge. — representative image, photo by salman sidheek via unsplash

In *Furious 7*, Dom Toretto and his crew arrive in Abu Dhabi in grand style, walking down the grand staircase of the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel. The film famously showcased the opulent Arabian architecture, grand domes, and pristine private beach of this landmark venue.

Anyone can visit Emirates Palace for afternoon tea, dinner at one of its award-winning restaurants, or simply to stroll through the grand lobby and admire the gold-leaf ceilings.

Location: West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Key scene: The team arriving in luxury attire down the grand staircase
Must-try experience: The signature Palace Cappuccino topped with 24-karat gold flakes

Visiting tip: Dress smartly when visiting Emirates Palace—the dress code is strictly smart casual to respect the hotel's luxury standard.

4. DIFC & Meydan Bridge, Dubai: Star Trek Beyond

When the producers of *Star Trek Beyond* needed a location to represent Yorktown—a ultra-futuristic starbase city of the 23rd century—they chose Dubai. The sleek glass towers of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the iconic neon blue lights of the Meydan Bridge were seamlessly integrated into the movie.

Today, DIFC is home to world-class dining, art galleries, and modern architecture. You can easily stroll through Gate Village and admire the architectural lines that inspired the Starfleet universe.

Location: DIFC & Meydan, Dubai
Key scene: Starbase Yorktown exterior shots and futuristic cityscapes
Best time to visit: Evening, when Meydan Bridge is lit up in vibrant blue LED lights

5. Louking at Bollywood: Dubai Parks and Resorts & City Walk

Bollywood has a long-standing love affair with the UAE. Blockbusters like *Happy New Year* (filmed extensively at Atlantis The Palm), *Race 3*, and *Dabangg 3* feature prominent locations across Dubai. City Walk and Dubai Parks and Resorts regularly host major film shoots and red carpet premieres.

Walking around Atlantis The Palm, you can easily spot the grand ballrooms and beachfront areas featured in Shah Rukh Khan's *Happy New Year*.

Location: Palm Jumeirah & City Walk, Dubai
Movies filmed here: Happy New Year, Race 3, Welcome
Highlight: Atlantis The Palm lobby and Royal Beach

FAQ

What major Hollywood movies were filmed in Dubai?

Major Hollywood films shot in Dubai include Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Star Trek Beyond, Dune, Vanguard, and Syriana.

Can you visit the Star Wars filming location in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi was used as planet Jakku in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. You can visit via guided desert safaris or stay at desert resorts like Qasr Al Sarab.

Is filming allowed at tourist spots in the UAE?

Personal photography and casual tourist videos are permitted at most locations, but commercial filming requires official permits from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) or Abu Dhabi Film Commission.