Watching a lot more movies lately? Yeah, us too.
Spending hours scrolling through your choices and not really sure what to watch? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are nine Hollywood films that were filmed, have scenes or show the UAE on screen.
So you can sit back, spot the landmarks, nudge the person next to you on the couch and tell them where it is and feel all smart. Perfect.
Happy watching.
6 Underground (Netflix)
Netflix original film 6 Underground, starring Ryan Reynolds, has loads of scenes filmed in Abu Dhabi. You can spot sites including the Abu Dhabi skyline, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Liwa Dessert, Aldar HQ, Etihad Towers, Jebel Hafeet and Louvre Abu Dhabi when you tune in. See, loads.
Furious 7 (Available to rent on Prime Video and iTunes)
It’s probably the most famous film that depicts the UAE on screen and has that memorable scene at Etihad Towers (you know the one). Spot the F&F gang in Fast and Furious 7 as they make their way to the UAE in the seventh outing of this hugely popular franchise that shows no signs of slowing down the throttle any time soon.
Independence Day: Resurgence (Available to rent on Google Play)
Ok, it’s not a huge part but if you’ve ever watched Independence Day: Resurgence, then you probably spotted Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. It’s one of the most recognisable buildings in the world and we still count this one on our list, although it wasn’t strictly filmed here, but we’re willing to look the other way on this one.
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (Amazon Prime) and Mission Impossible: Fallout (Available to rent on Google Play and iTunes).
Every time there’s a sandstorm we see the meme of Tom Cruise in Dubai and are reminded of the action scenes from Mission Impossible shot here in the UAE. Ever wondered how scary it would be to cling to the outside of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa? Tune in and see for yourself as Ethan Hunt takes on an impossible mission once again. Abu Dhabi has also featured in the franchise in the latest film, Mission Impossible: Fallout, too.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Available to buy on Prime Video and iTunes)
The popular video game blue hedgehog recently graced the big screen and is now making its way to streaming services at super-Sonic speed. You can see Sonic the Hedgehog and a quick glimpse of Abu Dhabi doubling as Egypt in the film when you watch it at home. Blink and you’ll miss it, just like Sonic.
Star Trek: Beyond (Available to rent on Prime Video and iTunes)
Star Trek boldly went where no other Star Trek film had gone by filming in Dubai’s DIFC and other locations for scenes in the latest film in the franchise. Well, when you’re looking for a futuristic city and want to minimise the CGI then Dubai is a safe bet for the big screen and was the perfect fit for Star Trek: Beyond.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (Starzplay)
When Star Wars announced a third trilogy, fans across the world burst with excitement and when we heard that Abu Dhabi would play a key role in the first installment we went into overdrive (or should that be hyperdrive?). Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert doubled as the desert planet Jakku in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens where we first met Rey and BB8. The force is strong with this film.
Syriana (Netflix)
Syriana used a lot of locations to shoot, 16 in total, but Dubai featured more than once throughout the movie. Both the desert and Dubai city featured in the film doubling for other locations in the Middle East, so try and spot them when you watch this film – when you’re not staring at George Clooney that is.
The Kingdom (Starzplay)
While this film is set in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, a two-week shoot for The Kingdom actually took place in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. You might not spot Abu Dhabi’s desert in among all the action but believe us when we tell you, it’s there.
War Machine (Netflix)
War Machine was the first Netflix original film to shoot here in the UAE when Brad Pitt and co came to Abu Dhabi back in 2016. The film is a star-studded affair too with Tilda Swinton, Topher Grace, Ben Kingsley and more, so, what are you waiting for?
