Abu Dhabi's Liwa desert to feature in new Dune film

The third instalment of the blockbuster film franchise Dune will once again be shot in Abu Dhabi’s iconic Liwa desert. 

Filming for Dune: Part Three is set to begin later this year in the UAE, with a scheduled release date of December 2026.

The Abu Dhabi Film Commission confirmed the news, with producers Legendary Entertainment praising the region’s “cinematic towering dunes” and expansive golden horizon as the perfect backdrop for the planet Arrakis in the sci-fi saga. 

The film will reprise its stars Timothée Chalamet — recently seen as Willy Wonka and Bob Dylan — and Zendaya, while former Yas Island ambassador Jason Momoa also returns in a leading role.