Locations matter! This is why filmmakers are always on the lookout for the most gorgeous places with sky-high buildings, alluring mountainous ranges and breathtaking beaches to make their movies a hit. Whether it’s Hollywood or Bollywood, extensive research goes into finding the right spot for each scene. One city that now holds a special place with many A-list filmmakers from across the world is Dubai. Here’s a list of all the Hollywood and Bollywood movies shot in Dubai to execute larger than life scenes.
HOLLYWOOD MOVIES SHOT IN DUBAI
Hollywood has a particular liking for glamorous cityscapes and beautiful stretches of golden deserts and nothing gets better than Dubai on that front! It’s therefore, no surprise that more than 50 movies have been shot in the emirate so far. Want to know which of your favourite spots in the city have had their moment of fame? Here is a list of famous Hollywood movies filmed in Dubai!
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL (2011)
Any mention of Hollywood and Bollywood movies shot in Dubai is incomplete without including this action-packed edition of the Mission Impossible series! In one of the most memorable scenes from the film, Tom Cruise calmly glides down Burj Khalifa from a height of about 1,700 feet in what became famous as the ‘Mission Impossible Dubai’ stunt. The movie also has a few shots from other popular locations in Dubai, including Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah and Armani Hotel.
STAR TREK – BEYOND (2016)
Star Trek producer Jeffery Chernov certainly appears to approve of Dubai’s impressive futuristic vibes! While we are yet to get to The Jetsons level of futuristic living, Dubai is undoubtedly well on its way to becoming one of the most innovative cities in the world. The movie, which saw the Star Trek franchise return to the silver screen with Chris Pine in the captain’s seat, had significant parts filmed in Dubai to depict one of the expensive bases of the Enterprise, Yorktown.
The scene uses a blend of Dubai’s landscape and CGI to create the perfect futuristic city that might not be far from reality, considering how Dubai is progressing. Regarded by actor Chris Pine as the ‘future land,’ most scenes were shot in Meydan Racetrack, JLT, Downtown Dubai and Burj Al Arab. Sheikh Zayed Road was also included in some shots because of its iconic skyscrapers. The total cost for the scenes shot in Dubai is estimated to be a whopping USD 32 million!
SYRIANA (2005)
This high profile box-office smasher stars A-list actors Matt Damon and George Clooney in an Oscar-winning geopolitical thriller based on petroleum politics and its influences. Large portions of this film were shot in Dubai, with some of the action sequences perfectly capturing the stark beauty of the dry terrains and the golden deserts of the city.
This one stands out among the list of Hollywood and Bollywood movies shot in Dubai because of how the director depicts the desert.
WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS (2010)
Warren Buffet once said, ‘Wall Street is the only place people ride to in a Rolls Royce to get advice from those who take the subway.’
A story about money, ambition and greed; Wall Street is all about the luxury and allure of high-stakes investments; and when there is a mention of luxury, how can we forget Dubai? The city had the honour of being the location for the luxury sequences of the much-awaited sequel of the iconic Michael Douglas starrer.
OTHER HOLLYWOOD MOVIES SHOT IN THE UAE
- The Wedding Party 2
- Kung Fu Yoga
- Sand City
- Aerials
- Independence Day Resurgence
- Dune (2021)
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
- Misfits
- Mission Impossible 7
BOLLYWOOD MOVIES SHOT IN DUBAI
Dubai is a hot favourite with most filmmakers in India, thanks to its proximity to the sub-continent and the sheer variety of exciting attractions, beautiful buildings and stunning deserts. The list of Bollywood movies filmed in Dubai and the rest of the UAE includes many box-office hits featuring superstars like Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan.
HAPPY NEW YEAR (2014)
One of the most popular Bollywood movies filmed in Dubai is this action-comedy entertainer with an all-star cast led by Shah Rukh Khan. Dubai was not just the main location for the shoot of this movie; it served as a pivotal plot point in the film’s narrative.
The movie is about an odd group of people who help the protagonist (Shah Rukh Khan) avenge his father’s death. Most sequences use the backdrop of Dubai as the group travels to the city to participate in a dance competition. The director of the movie, Farah Khan, says she even conceptualised the movie and wrote her script keeping the city’s landscape in mind.
Most of the shooting took place at Atlantis, The Palm and The Dubai Mall to capture the larger-than-life experience the city has to offer. The movie’s title also references the amazing celebrations Dubai organises for New Year.
WELCOME (2007) AND WELCOME BACK (2015)
Both the original film, as well as the sequel, was shot in Dubai. The films boast a star-studded cast, with Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar taking on lead roles in both the editions as feared dons.
The plot is centred around the duo’s hilarious attempts to get their sister married to an honourable man who does not have ties to the underworld they operate in. The locations in Dubai perfectly capture the luxurious lifestyle portrayed in the movie involving lavish yacht parties and spectacular hotels.
Welcome even has a scene where Nana Patekar’s character throws a party in Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai.
PARTNER (2007)
The two beloved stars of Bollywood, Salman Khan and Govinda, shared screen space after a huge gap in this romantic comedy, featuring Katrina Kaif as a wealthy businesswoman. We get to enjoy some of the spectacular sights of Dubai in the beautifully choreographed songs of the movie, which were as popular as, if not more than, the movie itself.
The corporate offices shown in the film were based in Chelsea Towers, Dubai. Now known as Al Salam Tower, it is one of the tallest residential buildings in the city.
We can also get glimpses of the famous Emirates Palace Hotel and Dubai Media City where some of the popular songs from the movie, including ‘You’re my love, Janeja you’re my love’, and ‘Maria Maria’, were shot.
HUMARI ADHURI KAHANI (2015)
A tragic tale of unrequited love, the film has several beautiful sequences filmed in Dubai, including Emraan Hashmi standing in the middle of Dubai Miracle Garden – the world’s largest natural garden.
Other areas for filming included the stunning Dubai Creek and busy markets in Meena Bazaar.
DABANGG (2010)
One of the song sequences of Salman Khan’s record-breaking movies, Dabangg was also shot in Dubai. The song sequence showed the lead pair enjoying some high-octane dune bashing in the desert. Other filming locations included Emirates Palace and Burjuman Metro station.
While shooting the film, Sonakshi Sinha and Salman Khan clicked a selfie in the midst of the desert that took the internet by storm. Many fans of Salman came to Dubai to click Insta shots inspired by the famous sequence.
OTHER BOLLYWOOD MOVIES SHOT IN UAE
- Race
- Bewakoofiyaan
- Dilwala
- Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara
- Sarkar 3
- Zero
- 36 China Town
- Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW CAN I GET A DISCOUNT ON MOVIE TICKETS?
Check out our blog about cinemas with credit card deals in Dubai to save some money on the tickets.
WHICH ARE THE TOP MOVIES IN CINEMA CURRENTLY?
Here is the list of movies releasing in the UAE in November that you can watch on the giant screen.
Dubai is the epitome of luxury, with an array of high-end hotels, sparkling cityscapes and opulent landmarks. No wonder, the city is becoming a popular choice for filmmakers from across the world. The way things are growing, one can expect more entries to be added to the list.
Want to catch the latest flick? Visit the Vox Cinema Drive-in theatre to grab some screen time!
If you have a list of more movies to share with us, let us know in the comments below. Meanwhile, for more interesting updates and information, stay tuned to MyBayut.
