13 Bollywood blockbusters filmed in UAE
Dubai, Abu Dhabi emerge as top picks for Indian filmmakers
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates, with its futuristic skyline, rolling deserts and architectural marvels, has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for Bollywood filmmakers.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, have become cinematic playgrounds for Indian directors looking to add visual grandeur, drama and exotic flair to their films.
From high-octane action stunts to romantic dance sequences, UAE’s diverse geography – from the gleaming towers of Downtown Dubai to the tranquillity of the Liwa desert – offers stunning backdrops for every genre. Its world-class production support, ease of permits, and luxurious hospitality only make it more attractive for Indian film crews.
Over the last two decades, more and more Bollywood producers have chosen the UAE over traditional overseas shooting locations like London, Switzerland, or Bangkok.
Here’s a look at 13 major Bollywood films that were filmed across the Emirates, highlighting their connection with the region and the iconic locations used on screen.
The Crew (2024)
This stylish heist-comedy starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, and Tabu incorporated several UAE scenes to portray the globe-trotting lives of its flight attendants.
Shot across Abu Dhabi, the film features quick glimpses of the capital’s striking skyline and modern cultural destinations, including aerial shots over the Corniche and scenes near the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The luxury settings complement the film’s high-fashion, high-stakes tone.
Pathaan (2023)
Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster spy thriller turned heads not just for its box office numbers, but also for its jaw-dropping action sequences filmed in Dubai. The highlight was a sequence shot at the Burj Khalifa Boulevard – reportedly the first time the entire stretch was shut down for a Bollywood production.
Director Siddharth Anand described it as the “toughest shoot ever,” with chase scenes, explosions and combat involving both Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham.
Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021)
To match the flamboyance of its scheming protagonists, this sequel to the original con-comedy filmed scenes at the regal Emirates Palace and the lush Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
These settings doubled as posh hotels and event venues, where the characters executed lavish scams. These locations were part of a multi-day shoot that involved over 100 crew members.
Bharat (2019)
To recreate the Gulf migration era of the 1970s, the makers of Bharat transformed parts of Abu Dhabi into oil fields and labour camps.
Salman Khan’s character is seen working in rugged industrial surroundings filmed on the city’s outskirts. The production involved recreating dusty, remote zones of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with Abu Dhabi’s deserts and construction hubs providing an authentic setting.
Saaho (2019)
Saaho, starring Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor, was one of the most high-octane action films shot extensively in the UAE. Abu Dhabi served as the backdrop for several key sequences, including a large-scale car chase filmed across the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
The film also featured the opulence of the Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers, as well as the expansive dunes of the Liwa Desert.
With over Dh30 million spent during the Abu Dhabi shoot alone, Saaho was among the most expensive Indian productions filmed in the region, reflecting the UAE’s growing appeal for big-budget blockbusters.
Race 3 (2018)
One of the most extensive Bollywood shoots in Abu Dhabi, Race 3 featured 15 separate locations over 20 days. The action-thriller, starring Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez, filmed elaborate chase scenes at the Yas Marina Circuit and inside the Emirates Palace.
The Liwa Desert was used for off-road sequences, while the Abu Dhabi Film Commission facilitated the logistics and closed sections of highways for the high-speed action.
Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
The Salman Khan–Katrina Kaif actioner included intense battle scenes shot at an abandoned cement factory near Abu Dhabi. The location doubled as an Iraqi stronghold in the film’s plot, providing a gritty, war-torn atmosphere.
Production partners praised the UAE's ability to host large-scale, explosion-heavy action shoots in a secure environment with logistical support and open terrain.
Airlift (2016)
To depict Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, the production team shot several scenes in Ras Al Khaimah, using its older-style architecture and arid surroundings to create a tense, realistic environment.
The narrative, centred around a mass evacuation, benefited from the region’s sparse urban areas, which resembled the war-torn backdrop of the early ’90s Gulf.
Welcome (2007) & Welcome Back (2015)
The Welcome franchise set the benchmark for Bollywood comedies filmed in the UAE. The original film (2007) featured hilarious sequences at Dragon Mart and Grand Hyatt Dubai, along with lavish party scenes at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, establishing a playful, extravagant visual tone.
The sequel, Welcome Back (2015), dialled up the glamour, adding locations like Dubai Marina and luxury malls. With opulent song sequences, high-speed car chases and colourful confrontations, both films showcased the UAE’s grandiosity as a perfect stage for larger-than-life comedy.
Baby (2015)
Akshay Kumar’s espionage thriller used Abu Dhabi as a stand-in for multiple Middle Eastern countries. The shoot included the stunning Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), desert highways, and even the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The film also featured an Etihad Airways A380 jet, silhouetted against a golden skyline. Kumar praised Abu Dhabi for offering shooting freedom not possible in India.
Happy New Year (2014)
Set during a fictional dance competition in Dubai, Farah Khan’s musical heist extravaganza was filmed largely at Atlantis, The Palm.
The hotel played a central role in the storyline, with lavish ballrooms and underwater suites showcased in multiple scenes. The Burj Khalifa featured prominently in the song ‘Satakli,’ shot during the Dubai leg of the production.
Bang Bang! (2014)
As the first full Bollywood production in Abu Dhabi, Bang Bang! set the standard for large-scale filming in the region. Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif shot action scenes at multiple iconic spots, including the world’s furthest leaning tower, Capital Gate, and the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit.
The Corniche was closed for a high-octane chase involving over 100 vehicles and an F1 car. The film grossed nearly $50 million worldwide.
Dabangg (2010)
While most of Dabangg was shot in India, several scenes including action sequences and musical montages were filmed in Dubai. These included desert stretches and scenes aboard the Dubai Metro, giving the film a slightly international feel amid its otherwise rustic aesthetic.