Abu Dhabi's Liwa Desert Set to Star in 'Dune: Part Three'
By ARN News Staff
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
In a significant boost to both the film industry and the cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission has announced via its social media platforms that the breathtaking dunes of Liwa Desert will once again be featured in the highly anticipated third installment of the acclaimed Dune franchise, aptly titled Dune: Part Three. This revelation not only reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a lucrative filming destination but also continues its partnership with Hollywood, making it a pivotal location for cinematic storytelling.
Legendary Entertainment, the studio behind the Dune franchise, has expressed its enthusiasm about returning to Abu Dhabi, stating that the “cinematic towering sand dunes and golden expansive horizon will once again capture the essence of the mythical planet of Arrakis.” The first two films in the series, adapted from Frank Herbert’s monumental sci-fi novels, have already left audiences captivated by their epic storytelling and stunning visuals, not least due to the picturesque desert landscapes of Abu Dhabi.
Filming for Dune: Part Three is scheduled to commence later this year, with the Creative Media Authority of Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission providing crucial logistical support for the production. Image Nation, another noteworthy stakeholder in the United Arab Emirates’ burgeoning film industry, will serve as the production partner for this exciting project. This collaboration underscores the effectiveness of local infrastructure in supporting major film ventures, which in turn contributes to the Emirate’s economic diversification goals.
The production stands to benefit significantly from the cashback rebate program offered by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission. This initiative is designed to attract international film projects to the region by offsetting production costs, thereby incentivizing filmmakers to consider Abu Dhabi as a viable and advantageous filming location. It’s a strategy that has already proven successful; the region has hosted several high-profile Hollywood films in recent years, including F1 The Movie and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, showcasing its diverse and stunning landscapes.
For director Denis Villeneuve, the return to Abu Dhabi holds personal significance. During the filming of Dune: Part Two, the director spent nearly a month capturing the rich environment of the desert, and his commitment to the authenticity of the films’ settings is palpable in the visual narrative. As filmmaking techniques evolve and audiences become accustomed to increasingly sophisticated special effects, the value of genuine locations cannot be overstated. The aerial views of the Liwa Desert, with its rolling sands and striking contours, provide an irreplaceable aesthetic that digital recreation cannot fully replicate.
The film’s cast will see familiar faces reprising their roles, with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya returning to breathe life into the protagonists of this epic saga. Additionally, Jason Momoa, already a fan favorite, is confirmed to return, promising to add depth and excitement to the narrative. The ensemble’s collective star power is likely to draw even greater attention to the final installment, subsequently elevating the profiles of all involved.
As the production gears up, the anticipation among fans worldwide is palpable. The merging of an iconic film series with the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates epitomizes the growing synergy between global cinema and regional storytelling. In a world increasingly characterized by remote production and virtual settings, Dune: Part Three stands as a testament to the enduring allure of authentic, breathtaking locations.
In conclusion, the return of Dune: Part Three to the Liwa Desert is not merely a cinematic endeavor; it is a strategic move that heralds a new era for both the Abu Dhabi film industry and the wider cultural landscape of the UAE. As the world eagerly awaits the film’s release, it symbolizes the UAE’s rising stature on the global stage of film production, merging art, commerce, and the spectacular allure of its natural resources into a narrative that is as compelling as the film itself.
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