Dune 3 Filming Begins in UAE Desert

Dune 3 Starts Filming in Abu Dhabi's Liwa Desert

The next chapter of the legendary Dune film series is once again coming to life on the iconic desert landscape of the United Arab Emirates: the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi. This news was announced by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, confirming that filming will begin later this year and will take place in the already familiar locations among the sand dunes where several scenes were previously recorded.

The Dune Universe Returns to the Emirates

The film adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novel, directed by Denis Villeneuve, has already been seen in two parts, and the second installment was an international success. Dune: Part Two — which was also filmed in the Liwa Desert — brought the heat and mystique of the Arrakis planet to viewers. The third installment will unveil the next chapter in the saga, returning to familiar heroes and locations.

The lead roles will again be played by Timothée Chalamet (as Paul Atreides) and Zendaya (as Chani), whose characters will gain new depths in the upcoming film. The cast and crew represent the highest standards, and the United Arab Emirates plays a crucial role in supporting the production.

Abu Dhabi Supports Major Productions

The filming of Dune 3 is another example of Abu Dhabi's long-term commitment to hosting and supporting international film productions. The Abu Dhabi Film Commission, in collaboration with the Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi and Image Nation, provides the necessary logistics and local support. Film companies can also take advantage of the emirate's cashback rebate program, which significantly reduces the costs of filming.

This financial incentive has become a key factor over the years, turning Abu Dhabi into an attractive destination for Hollywood productions. As a result of the incentive, more than 180 major film and television productions have been made in and around the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Previous Dune Filming in the Liwa Desert

The second part was filmed in the winter of 2022 in the Liwa Desert, using nearly 20 different locations for the film scenes. The production included 300 local and 250 international crew members, as well as 500 extras for the 27-day shoot. The unique sand dunes of the Liwa Desert provide an ideal backdrop for the visual representation of the world created by Dune.

Filmmakers took advantage of the natural landscape, lighting conditions, and stunning desert formations to create the authentic and grandiose look of Arrakis’s desert planet. The authentic environment not only added visual value but also provided technically advantageous filming conditions.

Hollywood and the UAE Connection

Abu Dhabi has become an increasingly important player in the international film industry over the past decade. The city and its surroundings have not only become popular locations for Dune but have also provided the perfect backdrop for other blockbuster productions. These include parts of the Mission: Impossible series, Star Wars, the Fast and Furious franchise, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog and Netflix's 6 Underground and War Machine.

These productions have not only brought fame to the Emirates but also had a significant economic impact. The filming created jobs, developed film infrastructure, and contributed to strengthening the country’s cultural presence on the global stage.

The Impact of Dune on Tourism and Cultural Life

The Dune films have made Abu Dhabi's desert known worldwide. More fans are arriving in the region to see the legendary sand dunes that are already familiar on the silver screen. The close connection between the film industry and tourism creates new opportunities for the area.

Thanks to the filming, the Liwa Desert has become not only an iconic location from a film perspective but also a favored destination for adventure tourism. Visitors can experience the raw beauty of nature as well as how reality becomes an integral part of a sci-fi story.

Summary

The news of Dune 3 filming is another milestone in the UAE's film industry. Abu Dhabi's Liwa Desert not only provides the stunning backdrop of the Arrakis planet but also shows how a region can become the centerpiece of one of the world's most-watched film universes. State support, well-established logistics, and spectacular natural surroundings all contribute to the Emirates being a recognized player in the global film industry.

Thus, the new chapter of the Dune universe is once again being written in the sands of the UAE, with fans around the world eagerly anticipating what the third part will bring — not just in terms of story, but visually as well.

(The source of the article is a press release from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.)