Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert will once again become Arrakis as Dune: Part Three begins filming later this year. Supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Image Nation, the shoot will feature returning stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, and newcomer Robert Pattinson.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The golden dunes of the UAE’s Liwa Desert are preparing to step back into the global spotlight as the vast, cinematic backdrop of Arrakis. The Abu Dhabi Film Commission has officially confirmed that filming for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three will begin in the desert later this year.
The return of one of Hollywood’s most ambitious sci-fi projects highlights not only the striking natural landscapes of the UAE but also the emirate’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in international filmmaking.
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The Liwa Desert, part of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), is famous for its sweeping, endless dunes that seem almost otherworldly. These unique features made it the perfect stand-in for Arrakis—the harsh desert planet at the heart of Frank Herbert’s legendary Dune saga.
Previous installments, Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024), shot key sequences in Abu Dhabi, with the second film dedicating nearly a month of production time to the desert. Sets, including a temporary desert “village,” were constructed to bring Arrakis to life. The powerful visuals contributed to both films’ critical and commercial success, making the UAE an indispensable partner for the franchise.
The shoot will be supported by:
Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi, offering high-level logistical and creative coordination.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission, which will provide access to film-friendly infrastructure, experienced crews, and advanced equipment.
Image Nation Abu Dhabi, which joins as a production partner.
Crucially, the project will benefit from the emirate’s cashback rebate program, which can return up to 35%–50% of eligible local spending to productions. This world-class incentive has been a major draw for global blockbusters, making Abu Dhabi one of the most competitive filming destinations worldwide.
Fans of the saga can look forward to the return of a stellar ensemble:
Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
Zendaya as Chani
Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Florence Pugh reprising their roles
Adding excitement to the third chapter, Robert Pattinson has officially joined the cast, expanding the already powerhouse lineup.
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, praised the UAE’s growing influence in the international film scene:
“Abu Dhabi has become one of the most reliable global production hubs. Our combination of iconic landscapes, cutting-edge studios, and highly skilled crews makes the emirate a natural choice for visionary directors like Denis Villeneuve. Hosting Dune: Part Three further strengthens our reputation as the home of world-class cinema.”
While the first Dune film had just a few days of shooting in the UAE, the second installment greatly expanded its presence. For Dune: Part Three, the scale is expected to be even larger. Reports suggest that several weeks of filming will be dedicated to Liwa, with large-scale set construction and extensive desert sequences.
Filming in Abu Dhabi is set to begin late 2025, with a worldwide theatrical release scheduled for December 2026. The film is expected to continue Denis Villeneuve’s vision of adapting Frank Herbert’s novels with unmatched detail and scope.
The emirate is no stranger to high-profile productions. Over the last decade, Abu Dhabi has hosted blockbusters such as Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Fast & Furious 7. Upcoming projects include F1 The Movie and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.
This consistent presence underscores the UAE’s success in positioning itself as a hub for Hollywood and international productions alike. With its combination of natural beauty, strategic support, and financial incentives, Abu Dhabi has become synonymous with large-scale cinematic storytelling.
The return of Dune to the Liwa Desert is more than just a film shoot—it’s a reaffirmation of Abu Dhabi’s place on the global entertainment map. As the desert once again transforms into the windswept planet of Arrakis, audiences worldwide can look forward to breathtaking visuals and a continuation of one of cinema’s most ambitious sagas.
When Dune: Part Three finally premieres in 2026, much of its cinematic magic will owe thanks to the timeless beauty of the UAE’s landscapes.
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