The movie will hit theaters in the UAE and Lebanon on February 29, 2024.
Abu Dhabi is set to host the Middle East premiere of Dune: Part Two, the highly anticipated sequel to the six-time Academy Award-winning film Dune (2021). The screening will take place at Vox Cinemas at The Galleria, Al-Maryah Island, on February 18.
Renowned filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and stars Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista will grace the red carpet at the premiere, engaging with fans before the screening.
Dune: Part Two continues Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic 1965 novel, picking up where its predecessor left off. The star-studded cast includes Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and an ensemble of other acclaimed actors.
The film follows the journey of Paul Atreides as he navigates alliances, love, and revenge on the desert planet Arrakis. Facing monumental choices with the fate of the universe at stake, Paul must confront his destiny and the forces arrayed against him.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of the Creative Media Authority, said: “Hosting the Middle East premiere of Dune: Part Two is an honour for Abu Dhabi and is also a reflection of the position the emirate holds as one of MENA’s top film and TV locations. We are proud to have supported an incredibly successful filming franchise once again. The fact that producers and directors seek to return to Abu Dhabi demonstrates how we have everything filmmakers need to facilitate and contribute to award-winning global productions.”
Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert serves as the backdrop for Arrakis, with scenes filmed across 20 locations during a 27-day shoot in winter 2022. The production involved a team of 300 local and 250 international crew members, supported by 500 extras.
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and Epic Films provided logistical support for the production, including equipment, facilities, and a competitive rebate. Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, highlighted the collaborative effort that made Dune: Part Two possible, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a filming destination.
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, added: “We were delighted to support Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptations of the novel Dune and to provide around 20 Liwa desert locations as Arrakis. Combining expert on-the-ground knowledge, location diversity, highly experienced local talent and know-how, competitive rebate and world-class facilities, a premiere moment really does provide the opportunity for all of our partners and service providers to see the culmination of all our efforts, not to mention showcase to future international productions on the ease of bringing their vision to life in Abu Dhabi.”
Dune: Part Two joins a list of more than 150 major productions filmed in Abu Dhabi, benefiting from its diverse locations, skilled workforce, and attractive incentives.
The epic continuation of the Dune saga will debut in the UAE and Lebanon on February 29, with a wider regional release slated for April 11. Exclusive previews will be available in select markets, allowing fans across the Middle East to experience the sequel ahead of its official release.
