Dune 3: Behind the scenes of filming in Abu Dhabi's Liwa Desert
The sands of Liwa are back on screen
For years, Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi has been doubling as worlds far beyond our own, becoming a familiar backdrop for Denis Villeneuve’s epic sci-fi saga. As Dune: Part Three prepares to transport audiences back to the sands of Arrakis, take a look at these new behind-the-scenes images offering a glimpse at how this popular Abu Dhabi landscape once again helped bring the universe to life.
Go behind the scenes
Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) has shared new behind-the-scenes images snapped during filming.
Dune 3 Abu Dhabi – behind the scenes
Photo: (Left to right) Timothee Chalamet and Director/Writer/Producer Denis Villeneuve on the set of Warner Bros Pictures and Legendary Pictures action adventure DUNE PART THREE in the Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi. A Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Niko Tavernise
Dune 3 Abu Dhabi – behind the scenes
Photo: (Left to right) Director/Writer/Producer Denis Villeneuve and Zendaya on the set of Warner Bros Pictures and Legendary Pictures action adventure DUNE PART THREE, in the Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi. A Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Niko Tavernise
Dune 3 Abu Dhabi – behind the scenes
Photo: (Left to right) Director/Writer/Producer Denis Villeneuve on the set of Warner Bros Pictures and Legendary Pictures action adventure DUNE: PART THREE, in the Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi. A Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Niko Tavernise
Over the past decade, the capital has hosted more than 180 shoots, from F1® The Movie, Mission: Impossible, Star Wars, Fast and Furious, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix’s 6 Underground and War Machine. This is a reflection of the emirate’s diverse locations, talent pool, and filmmaking incentives. It’s also proof that Abu Dhabi isn’t just a stopover; it’s a stage for some of the biggest stories on screen.
*Making a scene: 18 movies filmed right here in the UAE*
Herb Gains, EVP of Physical Production, Legendary Entertainment, stated, “Returning to Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert for Dune: Part Three was never in doubt. I can’t think of any place else in the world that provides such stunning imagery, as well as the support we’ve received from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and our partners there across all three films.”
Directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Villeneuve and Brian K. Vaughan, Dune: Part Three is based on the novels written by Frank Herbert and delivers the epic conclusion to Villeneuve’s trilogy. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Isaach De Bankolé, with Charlotte Rampling, with Anya Taylor-Joy, and Robert Pattinson, and Javier Bardem, and features newcomers Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke.
Can’t wait to watch the film?
You’ll have to wait for a while longer to catch the epic final chapter in Denis Villeneuve’s Academy Award-winning saga. But Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures have just unveiled the official trailer.
The film opens in theatres and IMAX across North America on December 18, 2026, and internationally from December 16, 2026.
What is Dune: Part Three about?
Dune: Part Three picks up nearly 20 years after Paul Atreides seized control of the Imperium. Now ruling as emperor, Paul must face the consequences of the choices that brought him to power as old allies return, dangerous new enemies emerge and betrayal lurks around every corner. Haunted by visions of the future and reunited with his long-lost love, Paul is pulled into a new conspiracy with Chani at its heart. As rebellion grows across the Imperium, he must decide how far he’s willing to go to protect those he loves and the empire he’s built.
Images: Supplied
