• Cast and crew, including Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie, to walk the red carpet at Emirates Palace on June 26
• Abu Dhabi is featured in the film after key scenes were shot at Midfield Terminal and the Liwa desert – the second time the franchise has filmed in the emirate
  
  

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 06 June 2023: Abu Dhabi will host the Middle East premiere of the eagerly-awaited Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One at a red-carpet event at Emirates Palace on June 26 attended by the movie’s cast and crew, including star Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie.

Both the breath-taking landscape of the Liwa desert and the iconic Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal were used as locations for Paramount Pictures’ movie thanks to the support of Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), part of the Creative Media Authority. The complexity of the shoot – which included building an Arabian village in the desert and multiple sets at the terminal – required a collaborative effort from multiple businesses and entities across Abu Dhabi, including twofour54 Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Airports (AD Airports) and Etihad Airways, the official airline partner of the film.

It is the second time the Mission Impossible franchise has filmed in Abu Dhabi, following the jaw-dropping HALO jump sequence that was shot in Abu Dhabi for 2018’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout, again with the support of ADFC, twofour54 and the UAE military.

Along with Tom Cruise and Director Christopher McQuarrie, the other stars of the film due to attend the Middle East Premiere later this month are Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff and Simon Pegg.

HE Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, said: “Hosting the premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is an honor for Abu Dhabi and is also a reflection of the position the emirate holds as one of MENA’s top film and TV locations. We are proud to have worked with such a genre-defining franchise once again and it demonstrates how Abu Dhabi has everything filmmakers need to successfully complete such large, complex productions.”

It was the success of shooting Mission Impossible: Fallout in Abu Dhabi that convinced Paramount Pictures to turn to ADFC again to help them complete another ‘Impossible Mission’ – this time sourcing an airport terminal and a desert landscape that would truly elevate the production. The Commission supported the team by securing approvals and permits for the shoot at both the Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal and in Liwa, liaising closely with multiple stakeholders and Abu Dhabi government entities.

After more than a year of planning, filming took place in Abu Dhabi in 2021 over 15 days at the height of the pandemic, yet there was no disruption caused by COVID-19 thanks to the ADFC protocols put in place in Abu Dhabi.

As well as building the sets in Liwa and at the Midfield Terminal, the production team also shot on the roof of the 742,000sqm terminal, the longest single standing arch in the world at 180m.

The shoot also benefitted from ADFC’s 30% cashback rebate and was supported by numerous other Abu Dhabi-based companies, specialist suppliers, 125 local freelance crew and 250 local extras.

Meanwhile, twofour54 supported the Mission Impossible team with full production services, and, through its Tawasol team, also secured shooting permits and managed applications for the other government services needed to ensure a smooth and seamless production.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is among the 140 major productions to have shot in Abu Dhabi in the past 10 years, from companies including Disney, Netflix, Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures. Films include Dune and Dune 2, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 6 Underground and Furious 7, as well as Bollywood hits such as Vikram Vedha, Tiger Zinda Hai and Bharat.

The latest trailer for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, directed by Christopher Mcquarrie, was released May 17, 2023.

Watch Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt and his seamless blend of action and intrigue as he navigates through Abu Dhabi’s iconic locations, including the Abu Dhabi airport and Liwa Desert.

The film will be released in cinemas on July 13th, 2023.

After taking the UFC franchise to Abu Dhabi for multiple fight cards, most notably at the difficult time of the pandemic, Dana White explains his experience doing business in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is home to diverse locations fit for all productions. From tranquil beaches, historic monuments, desserts, coastlines, and modern architecture, Abu Dhabi can double for many locations around the world. Along with scouting assistance #InAbuDhabi, #ADFC offers all projects a 30% cashback rebate for a range of different formats including feature films, television dramas (including series), commercials, and other television formats.

Abu Dhabi Film Commission successfully attracted yet another exciting American TV Series, ‘Last Light’, to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The five-episode limited TV series is an adaptation of Alex Scarrow’s bestselling apocalyptic thriller novel, which tells the story of a family fighting to survive in a world that has been thrown into chaos as oil supplies around the globe are severed. The action and drama series was shot in multiple locations in Abu Dhabi, which doubled as the mythical city of Luzrah, including the stunning architectural structures of Emirates Palace and the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, as well as the vast expanse of the Abu Dhabi desert and Arkan Cement Factory. Scenes were also filmed in other locations, such as Mussafah, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Al Danah, and a military base. ‘Last Light’ which was released regionally on Shahid VIP, is directed by award-winning director Dennie Gordon and stars Mathew Fox.

• Abu Dhabi’s stunning architectural landscape and desert dunes were featured in ‘Last Light’
• Director Dennie Gordon: “Finding a desert like this, unobstructed dunes as far as the eye can see, is such a privilege.”
• Epic Films and Abu Dhabi Film Commission supported production logistics for 10-day production
• Production benefited from the 30% Cashback Rebate

Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) has successfully attracted yet another exciting American TV series, ‘Last Light’, to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The five-episode limited TV series is an adaptation of Alex Scarrow’s bestselling apocalyptic thriller novel, which tells the story of a family fighting to survive in a world that has been thrown into chaos as oil supplies around the globe are severed. The action and drama series is directed by award-winning director Dennie Gordon, who has worked on over 100 hours of network television, including the critically acclaimed American superhero television series ‘Legion’. ‘Last Light’ was recently released regionally on Shahid VIP.

Gordon is seen in the behind-the-scenes footage praising the palatial architecture of Abu Dhabi and highlighting the natural desert landscape Abu Dhabi has to offer, saying: “Finding a desert like this, unobstructed dunes as far as the eye can see, is such a privilege.”

Produced by MGM International Television Productions in association with MBC, Peacock, Viaplay Group and Stan, the limited TV series was shot in multiple locations in Abu Dhabi, which doubled as the mythical city of Luzrah, including the stunning architectural structures of Emirates Palace and the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, as well as the vast expanse of the Abu Dhabi desert and Arkan Cement Factory. Scenes were also filmed in other locations, such as Mussafah, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Al Danah, and a military base.

Hans Fraikin, Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner, said: “We are extremely delighted to have welcomed and worked with MGM International Television Productions, a prominent production company in the filming industry. It is vital for Abu Dhabi to attract important productions like ‘Last Light’, as it further solidifies the Emirate’s position as an ideal filming destination and encourages more production companies to choose Abu Dhabi for future projects. Everyone who comes to Abu Dhabi can’t help but fall in love with the location and what it has to offer. And so, with our successes with MGM, which will surely get the attention of many other production companies, we look forward to welcoming more filming projects for years to come.”

The production of ‘Last Light’ received the full support of Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), including location support and a 30% rebate on production spend. It also featured a team of 145 people, of which 55 were international crew, with approximately 90 local crew members aiding in the production process. Epic Films serviced the production while in Abu Dhabi, along with support from other UAE firms such as Filmquip Media, Go Aerials, EMAN Transport and FSTOP Location Services.

‘Last Light’ stars Emmy nominated Matthew Fox, who is best known for his roles as Charlie Salinger on ‘Party of Five’ and Jack Shephard on the well-known drama series ‘Lost’, as well as SAG award winning actress Joanne Froggatt, who is best known for her roles in ‘Downton Abbey’ as Anna Bates. The cast also includes Amber Rose and Hakeem Jomah.

The new American TV series ‘Last Light’ is among more than 130 productions to have used the UAE capital as a filming destination, benefiting from the variety of the Emirate’s landscapes, award-winning facilities, generous 30% cashback rebate and vast pool of talents.

• Abu Dhabi’s stunning landscape will once again feature as the fictional world of Arrakis in the eagerly awaited second part of the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s best-selling novel
• Epic Films along with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission will support production logistics around the complex five week-long production later this year
  

Legendary Entertainment, the producers of the Academy Award® winning film Dune confirmed today it will return to Abu Dhabi later this year to shoot the highly anticipated Dune: Part Two. Abu Dhabi will reprise its role as the iconic setting of the desert planet Arrakis in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s best-selling novel.

The epic action-adventure movie, from Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, will film at the Liwa desert for over a month later this year with a team of local and international talent. Dune: Part Two will benefit from the 30% cashback rebate offered through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, while production services will be provided by Epic Films, along with support from a number of UAE production partners.

Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and twofour54 Abu Dhabi, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: “Dune has again provided us with an exciting opportunity to associate the emirate with another global movie franchise which will allow us to entice enthusiastic fans and audience members to visit the landscapes which they have seen on screen. In Abu Dhabi, we are fortunate to offer incredible architecture, landscapes and a unique culture that brings magic to the big screen. We hope that audiences around the world will get the chance to discover a whole new world in the Liwa desert.”

“We look forward to returning to the majestic sand dunes of Abu Dhabi and bringing Arrakis to life for Dune: Part Two,” said Villeneuve.

Added Sam Kozhaya, Legendary’s EVP, Operations and Corporate Development, “Legendary is excited to film this next installment of Dune: Part Two amidst the stunning and majestic geography of Abu Dhabi. The support of Abu Dhabi and its talented artists and crew members is invaluable in realizing the vision for the second chapter of this epic saga.” Dune: Part Two follows the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

The cast of Dune: Part Two includes Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Zendaya, Javier Bardem who will return alongside recent additions to the cast including Florence Pugh, Austin Butler and Christopher Walken.

Hans Fraikin, Film Commissioner for Abu Dhabi Film Commission added: “Ever since Denis Villeneuve first visited Abu Dhabi looking for a location that would be the planet Arrakis, it was clear that the Emirate’s breath-taking desert landscapes were the perfect setting for his adaptation of Dune. We look forward to the crew returning to help the Liwa Desert reprise its role. In addition to its diverse landscapes, our local talent, world-class facilities and competitive rebate make Abu Dhabi one of the most prominent filming locations for international productions and we are honored to play a part in this award-winning franchise.”

Dune is among more than 130 major productions that have used Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years, benefiting from the diversity of its locations, pool of talented professionals, award-winning facilities and generous 30% cashback rebate. These include Hollywood hits such as the Mission: Impossible, Star Wars and Fast and Furious franchises, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix’s 6 Underground and War Machine.

About Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve will return to write and direct Dune: Part Two. Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve, Cale Boyter, Tanya Lapointe, and Patrick McCormick will produce. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, Thomas Tull, Jon Spaihts, Richard P. Rubinstein, and John Harrison, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present a Legendary Pictures Production, a Film by Denis Villeneuve, ‘Dune’.

Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, and Skydance Media, the global diversified media company that creates premium, event-level entertainment for worldwide audiences, in association with Bay Films, have completed principal photography in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 6 Underground, the action-adventure feature film, directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds, Mélanie Laurent, Corey Hawkins, Adria Arjona, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ben Hardy, Lior Raz, Payman Maadi and Dave Franco.

The film is being produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger, along with Bay and Ian Bryce, and is based on an original idea from Deadpool scribes Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Garrett Grant, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Matthew Cohan executive produce, with JJ Hook, Michael Kase and Marco Valerio Pugini co-producing. The production team also includes director of photography Bojan Bazelli; production designer Jeffrey Beecroft; editors Roger Barton, William Goldenberg, and Calvin Wimmer; stunt coordinators Greg Smrz and Kenny Bates; fight coordinator Andy Cheng; special effects supervisor Terry Glass; visual effects supervisor Richard Hoover; and costume designer Jany Temime.

Filming began in Italy on 20 August, utilizing locations in Florence, Siena, Taranto and Rome before moving to the United Arab Emirates. Production continued in Abu Dhabi on 12 November and moved to sites in Al Ain, Liwa and Ras Al Khaimah before completing principal photography on 5 December, in the Abu Dhabi City Centre. In total, 24 locations were used during the course of the 27 day shoot in Abu Dhabi.

The production worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission which offers a 30% rebate on production spend in Abu Dhabi as well as twofour54, which provided full production services, including location assistance, securing permits and suppliers as well as catering, accommodation and travel.

“The UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, has provided diverse backdrops that have added to the richness of our production,” said director Michael Bay. “I look forward to returning to the UAE in the future to spend time exploring all that the country has to offer.”

“This has been a fast-paced and dynamic production, and Netflix and Skydance have been fantastic partners,” he added. “I couldn’t be more appreciative. I especially want to thank my incredible cast and crew for their hard work and devotion to this project.”

“Making this movie was an experience I will never forget,” says Ryan Reynolds. “I was impressed with the local crew and artisans we’ve met throughout our journey. Together we’ve made an exciting movie with equal parts action and humor that will appeal to a diverse audience.”

H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54, said: “We are now a destination of choice for major film productions, many of whom have traveled thousands of miles to benefit from Abu Dhabi’s striking scenery, pool of talent and welcoming environment.”

“We strive to provide a seamless experience to filmmakers, so they can focus on crafting their unique stories. Assisting Netflix to smoothly film 6 Underground across 24 locations over 27 days is testament to our ability to strategically manage highly complex projects to a tight deadline,” AlMheiri added.

The film is currently in post-production in the United States and is slated for release on Netflix in 2019.

• Golden Visas issued as Abu Dhabi hosted International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.
• Visas reflect commitment to deepen the strong bond between UAE and Indian creative industries

Abu Dhabi has announced that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan along with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema have been granted Golden Visas, a reflection of the strong bond between the Indian and UAE creative industries.

This month Yas Island, Abu Dhabi proudly hosted the 2022 IIFA Weekend & Awards, which saw the Indian film fraternity arrive to Abu Dhabi for a grand celebration. Etihad Arena was host to the 22nd edition of Nexa IIFA Awards but it wasn’t just the stars winning the awards that were celebrating. IIFA was pleased to have worked alongside the Abu Dhabi Film Commission to facilitate the process of Golden visa issuance to some of the leading film industry members. The Golden Visas were issued during the IIFA weekend itself to reflect the commitment from both the organisers and Abu Dhabi’s creative industry to build a legacy that goes beyond the success of the awards weekend.

Among those receiving the 10-year visas alongside Salman Khan are Indian superstars Divya Kumar, Genelia Deshmukh, Riteish Deshmukh, Bhushan Kumar, Anees Bazmee and Andre Timmins.

As well as being a long-stay residency permit, the Golden Visa offers the flexibility to work across Abu Dhabi and the UAE and does not require the holder to have a sponsor. The recipients were nominated by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) – which oversees applications from professionals in visual arts, publishing, performing arts, design and crafts, heritage, gaming & esports and media – and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), with the visas processed by twofour54 Abu Dhabi.

Khan, who has a strong relationship with Abu Dhabi having starred in Bharat, Race 3, and Tiger Zinda Hai, which all shot in the Emirate with the support of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, was the host of the IIFA Awards, which were held in collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi, ADFC and Miral. The ceremony took place at Etihad Arena, Yas Island on June 4, and was attended by thousands of guests.

HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The film and TV sector is one of the cornerstones of Abu Dhabi’s Culture and Creative Industries, which are key drivers of social and economic growth and diversification for the Emirate.

“The Golden Visa forms a key part of Abu Dhabi’s AED 30+ billion CCI investment strategy and we are delighted to be able to offer these long-term visas to our colleagues in the Indian film industry – especially Salman Khan who shares a deep bond with the Emirate. It is a reflection of the long and strong relationship between the thriving film & TV sectors in Abu Dhabi and India as well as our dedication to strengthen that relationship even more.”

Salman Khan said: “I am honoured to receive a Golden Visa from Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi has always been a second home for me, and I have enjoyed shooting some of my favourite projects here. It was great to celebrate our film industry during the IIFA weekend in a place that has shown us so much support over the past few years. Now with my Golden Visa, I look forward to returning to work here in the very near future.”

Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner Hans Fraikin added: “Abu Dhabi is an exciting location for filmmakers with a robust ecosystem that allows local and international projects to flourish. The Golden Visa allows talented individuals like Salman Khan and his fellow actors, directors and producers, to realise their creative visions here by harnessing the array of locations and facilities, as well as the incredible local talent.”

Noreen Khan, Vice President of IIFA, said: “IIFA is all about building and strengthening relationships with the host destinations. In continuation of the success of having the film industry visit Abu Dhabi for the 2022 IIFA Awards, we are keen to build a legacy that prevails and to be able to make Abu Dhabi a second home for the industry members. Therefore, we are pleased that the facilitation to our key stars with the Golden Visa at IIFA will help present the opportunity for them to be able to return with ease for more film productions and increase the business of overseas filming in Abu Dhabi.”

The Golden Visa supports talent across multiple domains, including the Culture and Creative Industries. The programme provides sustainable employment opportunities in Abu Dhabi by enabling talented creative professionals from around the world to live and work in the UAE, further bolstering the creative scene in the emirate. Since the process began, twofour54 has supported the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in the issuance of more than 700 Golden Visas in Abu Dhabi over the past few months, attracting world-class creative talent to the emirate. twofour54 is also expected to roll out 300 more Golden Visas throughout the remainder of the year.

In total, more than 130 major productions have benefited from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s generous 30% cashback rebate on production spend in the emirate since it was introduced in 2013. ADFC also offers a full range of support services on permits, visas, script approval, customs clearance and shooting permits, as well as scouting assistance for the incredible array of diverse locations in Abu Dhabi.

Exclusive photos from the set of Netflix’s and Skydance Media’s, the global diversified media company that creates premium, event-level entertainment for worldwide audiences, new blockbuster was released today after Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds and award-winning director Michael Bay kicked off their shoot in Abu Dhabi for the highly-anticipated new action movie.

The film’s 300+ cast and crew will spend 30 days in the UAE shooting at four locations, including Liwa desert, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

The production team – which includes more than 100 production specialists, based in Abu Dhabi – is working closely with twofour54, which is providing full production services, including location assistance, permits and suppliers as well as catering, accommodation, travel and transportation.

The film stars Ryan Reynolds, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars following his success in movies such as Deadpool, The Hitman’s Bodyguard and Safe House and is directed by Michael Bay, whose incredible catalogue of films includes Bad Boys, Armageddon, the Transformers’ franchise and The Rock.

6 Underground is the latest major Hollywood production to choose Abu Dhabi as a location, benefiting from its diverse array of 700+ locations, talented professionals, award-winning facilities and the 30% rebate on production spend from Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC). It also marks the return of industry pioneer Netflix to Abu Dhabi, which also filmed the comedy War Machine, starring Brad Pitt, in the Emirate in 2015.

H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54, said: “We are proud to welcome high-profile industry leaders Ryan Reynolds and Michael Bay. We are also pleased to work alongside our partner Netflix in Abu Dhabi again.”

“This has been a milestone year for our thriving media industry. Attracting quality international innovative productions to the capital is a testament to the thriving community and infrastructure we have built. These filmmakers bring their ideas to life on the big screen but also reflect the beauty and diversity of our landscape.”

Michael Bay said: “Abu Dhabi is a unique place to make a movie, with a lot of great looks. It’s got the diversity and architecture I need in front of the camera — plus the professional facilities, crew and infrastructure to back it up. I’m very excited to be shooting here over the next few weeks.”

Ryan Reynolds added: “Shooting in Abu Dhabi is going to be one of the highlights of this production, although you’ll have to wait until the movie hits Netflix to find out why. We’ve only been here a few days so far, but the welcome from everyone has been amazing and I can’t wait to explore Abu Dhabi more.”

Helmed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds, 6 Underground is a fun edgy thriller and character-driven spectacle from the writers of Deadpool.

The film is being produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger, along with Bay and Ian Bryce, and was written by Deadpool scribes Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Garrett Grant and Matthew Cohan executive produce, with JJ Hook, Michael Kase, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Marco Valerio Pugini co-producing. The production team also includes director of photography Bojan Bazelli; production designer Jeffrey Beecroft; editors Roger Barton, William Goldenberg, and Calvin Wimmer; stunt coordinators Greg Smrz and Kenny Bates; fight coordinator Andy Cheng; special effects supervisor Terry Glass; visual effects supervisor Richard Hoover; and costume designer Jany Temime.

Since the ADFC rebate was introduced in 2013, over 60 major productions from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world have been shot in the Emirate. These include two of the top-grossing films of all time, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Furious 7, as well as other blockbusters such as Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Tiger Zinda Hai, Race 3 and Saaho. It is estimated that one billion people around the world have seen Abu Dhabi on the silver screen thanks to the productions filmed there.