Tom Cruise arrives on first flight...

Hollywood star marks upcoming release of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Hollywood hero Tom Cruise returned to the UAE to mark the launch of Abu Dhabi International Airport's Midfield Terminal, where key parts of his latest Mission Impossible movie were shot.

Cruise came to the UAE capital ahead of the film’s Middle East premiere at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.

Midfield Terminal has its own starring role in the movie, with its 315-metre roof featuring in one of the film’s most thrilling action scenes.

The action star also unveiled Etihad's custom livery on an Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 featuring the film’s theme. The interior of the terminal will be revealed to the public for the first time in the latest, seventh instalment of the film, when it is released to the public on 13 July 2023.

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The movie also features purpose-built sets at the airport, including an Etihad First Class Lounge, as well as scenes set in Liwa Desert.

It is the second Mission: Impossible movie to be filmed in Abu Dhabi. In 2018, a HALO sky-diving scene was shot in the emirate with help from the UAE military, Abu Dhabi Film Commission and twofour54.

Elena Sorlini, acting chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We’re proud of our role in the film and our contribution to Abu Dhabi as a destination that attracts global talent. The scenes showcased in the movie are a testament to the architecture, scale and design of the iconic Midfield Terminal, which is inspired by the cultural elements of Abu Dhabi.”

Antonoaldo Neves, group chief executive officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Partnering with Mission: Impossible is a great testament to destination Abu Dhabi and what it has to offer. I couldn’t be prouder of Abu Dhabi and our team in showcasing the unique attractions of the emirate, our new airport and Etihad in the movie.”