- 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.
- Actor John Krasinski was spotted filming in Dubai in 2025 for a new Jack Ryan feature film, bringing the spy franchise back to the big screen.
- Dubai’s skyline, DIFC and JLT were transformed into a futuristic city, making the UAE a natural fit for the Star Trek universe.
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 movies that were filmed in the UAE, proving the country’s growing role on the global film stage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
One of the film’s most memorable moments sees the Burj Khalifa dramatically repurposed during an alien invasion sequence.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Perhaps Dubai’s most iconic movie moment: Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa, cementing the city’s place in cinema history.
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.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
The desert planet Jakku was filmed in Liwa, with Abu Dhabi quietly becoming part of Star Wars lore.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
A dramatic HALO jump scene was filmed in the UAE, later digitally transformed for the final cut.
Furious 7 (2015)
Abu Dhabi hosted one of the franchise’s most jaw-dropping stunts, featuring supercars jumping between the Etihad Towers.
Race 3 (2018)
This Bollywood action film used multiple Abu Dhabi landmarks, including Emirates Palace and Yas Island, showcasing the capital’s cinematic range.
Syriana (2005)
One of the first major Hollywood films to shoot in Dubai, starring George Clooney and Matt Damon.
The Misfits (2021)
Shot entirely in Abu Dhabi, this heist film starred Pierce Brosnan and was produced by local studio FilmGate Productions.
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.
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.
Coming Soon: Dune Part Three (2026)
Filmed largely in Liwa, the third instalment continues the UAE’s deep connection to the Dune universe.
Upcoming Jack Ryan Movie
Actor John Krasinski was spotted filming in Dubai in 2025 for a new Jack Ryan feature film, bringing the spy franchise back to the big screen.
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.
