Hollywood and Bollywood films shot in UAE in 2015

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have joined some of the most preferred locations for filming. Crew from Hollywood and Bollywood have made numerous trips down to the UAE in 2015.

The first schedule of the film was successfully completed in Dubai in December 2014, and the second schedule in the UAE began in March.

The big climax was decided to be shot in a desert area close to Al Ain. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala told City Times, "We are planning certain stunts involving helicopters, bikes and cars, that have not been seen before. Some action scenes will have seven cameras. One particular shot can be taken from many angles but it's how we do it that makes it different. There will be heli-cams involved. There will be a lot of aerial cameras involved in the climax scene."

Hera Pheri 3- March

"The story is set in the UAE, like Welcome Back," producer Firoz Nadiadwala explained. "This film will present the country in a much glamorised manner. We have shortlisted many locations in the last few months. 85 per cent of film will be shot in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and a little portion in Mumbai. We plan to start rolling in the month of March and release it hopefully by the end of the year. We are going to finish the film in maximum two or three schedules."

Airlift - April

The film's director JJ Abrams said "action" (was filmed) somewhere in the desert of Abu Dhabi. Take #1 happened on May 16.

Filming in Abu Dhabi continued for two weeks at a location kept secret and well guarded, but sources close to the production said a massive set has been created on a flatbed "sabkha" area between the massive dunes behind Qasr Al Sarab hotel in Liwa.

So far, all desert scenes of Star Wars movies had been filmed in various locations in Tunisia and this is the first time the location was changed and Abu Dhabi was selected.

Dishoom - July

Initially John Abraham began shooting for Dishoom in July. Varun Dhawan said an injury suffered by his Dishoom co-star John Abraham has ended up giving him a much-needed break from shooting.

"I don't think I will be in India on New Year's (day). I am out of town and after that I will be leaving for Abu Dhabi to shoot Dishoom," he said at the Stardust Awards event. (http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/bollywood/varun-dhawan-to-celebrate-the-new-year-in-abu-dhabi)

Star Trek - October

"We came searching for the future and we found it in Dubai," said producer Jeffrey Chernov, who first became familiar with the city while working on Ghost Protocol and scouted locations here for the upcoming shoot.

Producers revealed that Dubai would be featured as a "vertical" alien city.

Kung Fu Yoga - October

Hollywood action star Jackie Chan filmed for the first time in the Middle East. He was spotted at camel race at Dubai's Al Marmoom Camel Race track dressed in the traditional UAE garb, the kandora.

Directed by Stanley Tong, Kung Fu Yoga was slated to film in Dubai for 33 days.

Ki and Ka - October

The romantic comedy, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Kapoor, shot at locations across Dubai with a release date set for next year. Shooting in the city included locations like The Dubai Mall and fountain set to be featured prominently, as well as other Emaar Hospitality Group properties.

War Machine - December

Brad Pitt's satirical comedy War Machine wrapped a 22-day shoot in Abu Dhabi. Streets around the Abu Dhabi Media compound were transformed in order to create a fictional American embassy in Kabul. The production also filmed at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the Abu Dhabi New York Film Academy and in remote areas of the Abu Dhabi desert.

Compiled by Kymberlee Fernandes/ kymberlee@khaleejtimes.com

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