Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi is about to become a major set once again. Denis Villeneuve is returning to the UAE to shoot Dune: Part 3, the latest chapter in his epic saga. This means the arrival of Hollywood stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, walking across the endless sands of the UAE — with the desert’s beauty to be captured once again as the fictional planet Arrakis.
Filming for the highly anticipated movie will start later this year. The vast, cinematic dunes of Liwa desert are ideal for reflecting the power and scale of the film and have become as integral to the Dune series as the characters themselves.
Behind the scenes, both Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Film Commission will support the production, while Image Nation comes on board as the key production partner. The film will also take advantage of Abu Dhabi’s film rebate program, which has made the emirate an attractive location for international filmmakers.
Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi has hosted more than 180 film productions, including blockbuster franchises like Mission: Impossible, Star Wars, Fast and Furious, and 6 Underground.
With a variety of unique locations, Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for global filmmakers. So, if you catch a glimpse of a sandworm moving across the Liwa desert later this year, don’t panic — it’s just Paul Atreides getting ready for another epic ride in Dune: Part 3.
With filming taking place in Abu Dhabi, there’s a chance the region could host the premiere of Dune: Part 3, just like they did with this year’s F1 event. The thought of a red carpet event right here in the UAE, featuring Hollywood stars and unforgettable moments, is incredibly exciting. Keep an eye out for updates!