Bollywood glamour has descended on Jumeirah Zabeel Saray with superstar actor Anil Kapoor filming his new movie at The Palm hotel.

Shooting in the hotel’s grand lobby, the Slumdog Millionaire star was joined by actors John Abraham, Paresh Rawal, Nana Patekar and actress Shruti Hasan in several scenes for Welcome Back, the sequel to Bollywood blockbuster, Welcome.

It is not the first time Kapoor has been at the hotel; in 2010 it featured as his Indian palace in a scene with Tom Cruise for Mission:Impossible Ghost Protocol.

The star said: “It was exciting to be back at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on set filming for another all-star cast film and such a coincidence. It feels like a homecoming and brings back a sense of nostalgia for when we filmed here for MI4 in 2010, before the hotel had even opened. But it is great to be back working while the hotel is fully operational; it is such a beautiful resort and a personal favourite.”

Welcome Back will also feature other famous landmarks from across Dubai, including International Airport, other hotel locations and even a selection of private villas.

Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission, said: “We’re very happy to be hosting the Welcome team in Dubai once again. It excites us to see filmmakers return to Dubai, as it confirms the emirate’s position as a premier filming destination.

“Filmmakers are becoming increasingly aware that the city has the capabilities and infrastructure to support major productions. Besides its famous alluring locations, Dubai offers a deep talent pool, state-of-the-art production facilities, a smooth permit process and customised incentives for those choosing to shoot in the emirate.

“Now that the UAE has won the right to host Expo 2020, we hope this interest will continue to escalate and expand, as even more people around the world will come to know and realise that Dubai is an attractive, viable, and desirable film and TV production hub.”

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, West Crescent, The Palm. Tel: (04) 453 0000. jumeirah.com