The 6 Best Locations to Shoot Your Next Film in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is an international filming destination, home to some of the most stunning locations in the world. Its vast deserts and modern cityscapes draw filmmakers from across the globe.

If you're looking for locations to shoot in Abu Dhabi, we've 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

The largest art museum in the Middle East, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and is located on Saadiyat Island, a man-made island containing museums and other cultural institutions designed by Foster + Partners.

The museum opened in November 2017 and is often described as "a bridge between East and West" due to its geographic and cultural positioning.

Louvre Abu Dhabi is an impressive three-floor structure. The ground floor houses the permanent collection, which includes more than 1,000 works from around the world — including pieces by artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.

2. Al Ain Oasis

If you're looking to shoot a film in the desert, Al Ain Oasis is an excellent choice. Located in the Al Ain region of Abu Dhabi, the oasis is associated with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and contains a variety of plants and wildlife, along with flowers that bloom during the spring.

Al Ain Oasis is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds historical significance for the region, having been used as a food source since prehistoric times. It's roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive from Dubai, making it a feasible option for productions based in either emirate.

3. Ferrari World

Located at Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi, this location is well suited to films featuring high-energy, ride-based scenes — ideal if you want your project to capture the twists, turns, and adrenaline of a rollercoaster.

Ferrari World is the largest indoor amusement park in the Middle East and one of the largest in Asia, with more than 25 rides, including Formula Rossa (the world's fastest rollercoaster) and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Simulator Experience. The park also features a swimming pool and beach club, and can be hired in part or in full for productions such as a film's grand opening or launch event.

4. Al Bateen Beach

Al Bateen Beach is a popular filming location thanks to its scenic setting and convenient access. It's well suited to beach scenes, sunset shots, and evening sequences, and is clean, safe, and easily reachable by car or taxi from central Abu Dhabi.

5. Liwa Desert

The Liwa Desert is home to some of the largest sand dunes in the world and offers a striking setting for desert scenes or productions requiring a harsh, remote environment. The area has been a popular tourist destination since it opened to visitors in 2009, known for activities like camel riding and desert safari tours — both useful if your film needs extra footage set at night or during sunrise and sunset.

The scale of the dunes allows for a wide variety of shots, from sweeping wide-angle landscapes to intimate close-ups of shifting sand.

6. Marina Eye Ferris Wheel

Located in the Marina, the Marina Eye Ferris Wheel is a striking addition to any film scene, with plenty of other attractions nearby. The observation wheel has 42 cabins, stands 150 metres tall, and can accommodate up to 24 people per cabin.

One full rotation takes around 30 minutes and offers panoramic views of Abu Dhabi's skyline and coastline — making it an excellent choice for capturing the city in all its glory, as well as unobstructed sunset shots.

Also Read: Filming in the UAE? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Movies Filmed in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has hosted several major international productions, including:

• Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
• Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
• Fast & Furious 7 (2015)

Star Wars has been filmed in locations around the world, and the seventh instalment was no exception — key desert sequences were shot in Abu Dhabi, alongside other UAE locations.

Simplify your shoot with seamless location permission for your movie.

Things to Keep in Mind While Filming in Abu Dhabi

1. Always Secure Filming Permits

A valid Abu Dhabi filming permit is required before you begin shooting — filming without one can result in fines. The film permit process is straightforward but requires some advance planning:

• The process typically takes 5–10 days, so schedule your shoot accordingly.
• Certain projects may require script approval from the relevant censorship authority before a permit is issued.
• Different permit types apply depending on your production's needs, so confirm which one applies to you before applying.

Visit UAE Film Permit and we'll simplify the process so you can focus on filming. Learn more about the film permit process in Abu Dhabi.

2. Plan Around the Weather

Abu Dhabi's weather can shift quickly — sunny skies one day, rain the next. Build buffer time into your schedule to account for weather-related delays, and factor in seasonal temperature differences depending on your shoot location and time of year.

3. Don't Forget Team Visas

Cast and crew need valid work visas before arriving in the country. Tourist or family visit visas don't permit paid production work — only crew hired through a licensed local company can enter without a separate work visa.

4. Consider Renting Equipment Locally

If your production needs specialised equipment such as cranes or drones, renting locally is often easier than importing your own, since certain equipment may face import or security restrictions at the border.

5. Plan for Transportation Challenges

Downtown Abu Dhabi is easy to navigate, but more remote locations like Liwa Desert or Al Ain Oasis can be harder to access without a car. Factor this into your logistics planning well ahead of the shoot to avoid last-minute complications.

To Wrap Things Up

Abu Dhabi offers an exceptional range of filming locations — from world-class museums and adrenaline-fuelled theme parks to sweeping desert dunes and coastal beaches. Whatever your project calls for, the emirate has a backdrop to match.

That said, filming here requires securing the right permits in advance. We handle that process for you, so you can focus on what matters most — your film.

Contact us if you're ready for your shoot in Abu Dhabi, and let us handle the paperwork while you handle the creative work.