Dubai and the UAE are renowned for their luxurious ambiance and stunning skyline, making them popular filming locations for Bollywood movies. Filmmakers have taken advantage of the lavish surroundings and architectural grandeur of these regions to enhance their cinematic storytelling.
From ‘Pathaan’ to ‘Partner,’ here’s a look at several Bollywood films filmed in Dubai and the UAE.
‘Welcome’ Franchise
The ‘Welcome’ film series, a comedic family drama, is famous for its iconic dialogues and unforgettable characters. Several party scenes and magnificent shots were filmed at notable locations in Dubai, particularly at the Grand Hyatt Hotel along Dubai’s creek and Dragon Mart.
‘Happy New Year’
The film ‘Happy New Year’ featured an entire song titled ‘Satakli’ dedicated to the breathtaking sights of Dubai, including an homage to the impressive Burj Khalifa. This Farah Khan-directed film primarily revolves around a dance competition set in lavish surroundings, including the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm.
‘Bang Bang!’
Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Bang Bang!’ showcases various beautiful locations in the UAE, where the skyline complements Hrithik Roshan’s thrilling action scenes. Key filming spots included the Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel, Emirates Palace, Yas Island, and the Liwa oasis.
‘Airlift’
The notable film ‘Airlift,’ featuring Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur, was shot in several locations in the UAE, particularly Ras Al Khaimah. The settings effectively depicted a devastated Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion, bringing the narrative vividly to life.
‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’
The entertaining ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’ was filmed in various areas of Abu Dhabi to illustrate the luxurious backdrop of two con artists. Directed by Varun R. Sharma, scenes were notably shot at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Emirates Palace.
‘The Crew’
Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, and Tabu, ‘The Crew’ features multiple luxurious locations around the globe, including the cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi. The film captures the essence of the UAE’s iconic landmarks along with its cultural richness.
‘Pathaan’
Achieving remarkable success at the box office, ‘Pathaan’ features intense action sequences filmed at the Burj Khalifa Boulevard. Reports indicate that the Boulevard was temporarily closed for the shoot, making this scene one of the film’s most challenging, as noted by director Siddharth Anand.