Abu Dhabi is an international filming destination. Home to some of the most stunning film locations in the world.The vast deserts and its modern cities are drawing millions from across the globe.
If you are Looking for locations to shoot in Abu Dhabi we have got you covered. From museums and monuments to beaches and deserts, here are six places to shoot in Abu Dhabi.
1. The Louvre, Abu Dhabi
It is the largest art museum in the Middle East and was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. It is located on Saadiyat Island. A man-made island containing museums and other cultural institutions designed by Foster + Partners.
The museum opened in November 2011 and is described as “a bridge between East and West” due to its location between Africa and Asia.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an impressive structure with three floors. The ground floor houses the permanent collection, which includes more than 1,000 works worldwide. With many pieces from famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.
2. Al Ain Oasis
If you’re in the mood to shoot a film in the desert, then this is the place to go. The oasis is in Abu Dhabi, and a Bedouin named Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan discovered it. The oasis contains several types of plants and animals that can be seen throughout its surrounding areas and beautiful flowers that bloom during the spring.
The Al Ain Oasis is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also an important historic site for residents of Abu Dhabi since it has been used as a food source since prehistoric times. If you plan on shooting your next film anywhere within an hour of Dubai International Airport, this could be your location!
3. Ferarri World
Located at the Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi, UAE, this location is perfect for films having scenes with rides. This place could be the perfect spot if you want your film to be like a roller coaster ride with twists and turns.
Ferrari World Theme Park is the largest indoor amusement park in the Middle East and one of the largest in Asia. The park has more than 25 rides, including Speed of Magic (the world’s fastest coaster), Formula Rossa (the world’s fastest roller coaster), and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Simulator Experience.
The theme park also features a swimming pool and a beach club. You can enjoy this place on your own or hire an entire area for your film’s grand opening.
4. Al Bateen Beach
Al Bateen Beach is a popular location for filming due to its beautiful scenery and convenient location. It's a great place to film a scene with the beach, sunset scenes, and evening shots. It is clean, safe, and easy to access by car or taxi.
The beach is located in the city of Abu Dhabi, which is a popular destination for tourists and filmmakers alike. You can find many locations to shoot in Abu Dhabi, but Al Bateen Beach is one of the most popular.
5. Liwa Desert
The Liwa Desert is one of the giant dunes in the world, and it's located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It's an excellent location for desert scenes and other types of films that need to take place in harsh environments. The nature reserve has become a popular tourist destination since it opened up to visitors in 2009.
It's also known for its activities like camel riding and desert safari tours, which are perfect if your film needs extra scenes set at night or during sunrise/sunset times.
The dunes are massive, and they can be used for a variety of different shots. The desert is also home to the world's tallest building, constructed in 2010 and stands 828 meters tall.
6. Marina Eye Ferris Wheel
Located in the Marina, this Ferris Wheel is an excellent addition to your film scene as it has many other attractions nearby. The world’s giant observation wheel has 42 cabins that are 150 meters tall and can accommodate up to 24 people per cabin.
It takes 30 minutes for one rotation and offers panoramic views of Abu Dhabi's skyline and coast. This location is perfect for filming scenes where you want to capture the city in all its glory. It’s also a good spot for sunset shots as it provides an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Also Read: Filming in the UAE? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Movies in Abu Dhabi
You may not have thought about it, but Abu Dhabi is a great place to shoot films. Some of the best films have been shot in this oil-rich emirate! Here are just three of them:
- Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
- Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)
- Fast & Furious 7 (2015).
Star Wars has been shot in many locations all around the world. The seventh episode of the legendary series was no exception, as it was shot in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other parts of the UAE.
Things to Keep in Mind While Filming in Abu Dhabi
When you are filming in Abu Dhabi, you need to be aware of the following:
Always Have Filming Permits.
It is crucial to have an Abu Dhabi filming permit before shooting there. If you don't, then you'll be fined. The film permit process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things that you need to know before applying for it:
- You can't just get a film permit and start shooting right away. The process takes about 5-10 days, so plan accordingly when scheduling shoots in Abu Dhabi.
- You need to have the script approved by the censorship board before applying for the film permit (if applicable).
- There are different types of permits depending on your needs and requirements, so make sure to know about this before applying!
You must always get a permit before filming. Visit our website UAEFilmPermit, and we'll make the process easy so you can concentrate more on filming.
Make Sure the Weather is Good.
Abu Dhabi can be sunny with blue skies one day and pouring rain the next. You should ensure you have enough time to deal with any issues that might arise due to weather conditions. The temperature also varies depending on where you are shooting and the time of year. Be sure to consider all possible scenarios when planning your shoot.
Don’t Forget About Team Visas.
Ensure your cast and crew members have work visas before arriving in the country. The government won't allow people into the country without work visas unless they're visiting family or on vacation — only people who local companies hire can enter without visas.
Prefer Renting Equipment.
If your movie requires special equipment such as cranes or drones, consider renting them instead of bringing them with you because they might not be allowed into the country due to security reasons.
Getting Around Can Be Difficult.
The location of your shoot will determine how easy it will be for you to get around town. Downtown Abu Dhabi is very pedestrian friendly, but once you venture further into different areas like Liwa Oasis or Al Ain, getting around without a car can become challenging (or expensive). Make sure you plan - don't wait until you need something from another location before realizing how inconvenient the situation is!
To Wrap Things Up
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to shoot your next film, why not consider Abu Dhabi? Not only does the city have some of the most beautiful locations you could ever imagine, but it also offers a wide variety of different options for filming. Abu Dhabi has everything, whether you want to shoot in oil fields or on the beach.
Having said that, it is essential to note that filming in Abu Dhabi requires obtaining all necessary permits beforehand. It is easy to get these permits if done correctly, and we are experts at this!
Contact us if you are ready for your shoot in Abu Dhabi so you can focus on what matters most - your film - while we handle the paperwork.
So, there you have it. These are just six of the many incredible locations that can be used for filming in Abu Dhabi. But there are so many more options available, and we can help you find the perfect one for your next project!
