It has been a galaxy far, far away, home to ferocious sand-worms and deputised for both Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Increasingly, though, it has simply been itself, a place of stunning desert vistas and architectural wonders.
We are talking about Hollywood’s unfolding love affair with the UAE when it comes to finding the best location for many of its biggest films.
Exactly 20 years ago, Syriana became the first Hollywood motion picture to use the UAE as a backdrop. Starring George Clooney as a CIA agent, and with a cast that included Matt Damon and Amanda Peet, the 2005 political thriller was set in a fictional Arabian Gulf oil state.
Several scenes were shot in Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel, while Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the desert around the city also featured prominently.
Since then at least a dozen more Hollywood films have been shot in the UAE. The most recent, released in November this year, is the third instalment of the Now You See Me series. Over 13 days of shooting, locations including Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, W Hotel and Liwa all featured prominently in the story of crime-fighting magicians.
Credit for attracting the makers of Now You See
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