The highly anticipated film will screen at Emirates Palace on December 16 during an invitation-only red carpet event prior to its general release. 

The force is strong with Abu Dhabi. Not only was the UAE capital (specifically, the Liwa Desert) chosen as the main shooting location for upcoming blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but now the city will host the Middle East premiere of the film.

The seventh film in the epic franchise will be screened at Emirates Palace during a red carpet, invitation-only event on December 16. The event was confirmed by Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of Abu Dhabi entertainment hub twofour54, who noted that all of the trailers and TV spots have included scenes from the emirate. “We are very proud of our achievements and excited for audiences around the world to experience Abu Dhabi on the big screen,” she added.

Tickets for Star Wars: The Force Awakens – which, it’s safe to say is probably the most highly anticipated film of 2015 – are already on sale in the UAE now, and some showings are even close to selling out.

The film is set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, and sees the return of the original main cast including Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and Harrison Ford as Han Solo. Even Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original trilogy, is back in the fuzzy suit.

Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker, has been conspicuously absent from the trailers and details of how his character will feature have been kept heavily under wraps. However, you do hear his voice during a monologue for the second trailer below.

The film opens up in the UAE for general release on December 17. We’ll be booking our tickets faster than you can say, “Chewie… We’re home.”