Bollywood Blockbusters Filmed in the UAE, From Wartime Dramas to Modern Action Movies
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a popular destination for Bollywood filmmakers, providing a stunning array of modern and desert locations for their blockbuster productions. Here are some notable films that have extensively shot in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Dubai:
Happy New Year (2014), an ensemble blockbuster featuring Shah Rukh Khan, was filmed almost entirely in Dubai. One of the most memorable scenes was shot at Atlantis, The Palm on New Year's Eve.
Another upcoming film, Masti 4 (release date TBA), has taken advantage of Dubai's vibrant atmosphere, with shooting taking place in the city.
Abu Dhabi:
The action-packed film War 2 (2025), starring Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani, and NTR, is set to be the third Yash Raj Films production shot in Abu Dhabi, following Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021). Other notable locations featured in the film include Yas Island and the Corniche.
Bang Bang! (2014), an action-thriller starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, was largely filmed and co-produced in Abu Dhabi. The film's dramatic sequences were captured at various locations, including the Corniche, Liwa Oasis, Emirates Palace, Yas Island, Hyatt Capital Gate, and Qasr Al Sarab.
Vikram Vedha (2025) transforms Abu Dhabi's landmarks and landscapes into convincing settings for its action-thriller storyline.
Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) spent an unprecedented 65 days filming in Abu Dhabi, with key sequences shot in the Liwa Desert, an abandoned cement factory in Al Ain, and on massive backlot sets covering 20,000 square metres.
The Bollywood remake of the 2017 Tamil film Vikram Vedha (2022) stars Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan. The majority of the film was shot in Abu Dhabi, with the twofour54 backlot and Al Wathba Wetlands serving as convincing stand-ins for Lucknow.
Pathaan (2023) marks Shah Rukh Khan's return to the big screen in a spy thriller. The film pairs him with Deepika Padukone and John Abraham and features standout sequences shot on Burj Khalifa Boulevard, marking the first time the stretch was completely closed for a Bollywood production.
These films have taken advantage of the UAE's diverse landscapes, from modern cityscapes to vast deserts, to create dramatic backdrops for their Bollywood blockbusters. If you're interested in more precise details or additional titles, feel free to ask!
- The UAE's vibrant city of Dubai has attracted Bollywood filmmakers, serving as the primary location for films like 'Happy New Year' and the upcoming 'Masti 4'.
- Abu Dhabi, another emirate in the UAE, has been the setting for several Bollywood productions, such as 'Bang Bang!', 'Tiger Zinda Hai', and the upcoming 'Vikram Vedha'.
- Yas Island and the Corniche in Abu Dhabi are popular filming locations, featured in movies like 'War 2', 'Bang Bang!', and 'Tiger Zinda Hai'.
- Iran, Oman, and Kuwait have likely been influenced by the world-class film productions in the UAE, as their entertainment industries grow and develop.
- The world of Bollywood features a mix of business, travel, movies-and-tv, entertainment, and news, all intertwined in the creation of popular Indian cinema.
- Iraq, too, may take inspiration from these UAE film productions, as its film industry evolves and strives for global recognition.
- As the UAE continues to offer diverse landscapes for stunning Bollywood film shoots, it remains a crucial destination for future movie productions and industry collaborations.
