The Desert Double: ‘Dune: Part Three’ Finds Its Final Home in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis

The desert landscapes of Arrakis, Frank Herbert’s iconic planet from his novel “Dune,” have been a staple of Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi trilogy. Now, as the third installment approaches its release date on December 18, behind-the-scenes images of the cast and crew at work in the Liwa Desert have been shared by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.

The choice of filming location is hardly surprising for fans of the “Dune” series. The Liwa Oasis, a massive expanse of sand dunes in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, has already doubled as Arrakis for Villeneuve’s previous two films. What’s more intriguing, however, is the level of investment Abu Dhabi has made in the production process.

More than 600 UAE-based individuals were involved in the 31-day shoot, a testament to the Emirate’s efforts to establish itself as a major player in the global film industry. Sameer Al Jaberi, head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, hailed the collaboration between local and international teams as a “poignant and pivotal moment” for Abu Dhabi’s creative ecosystem.

However, behind this rosy picture lies a more complex reality. The partnership between Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment, and their Abu Dhabi counterparts has been facilitated by generous incentives, including a 35% cashback rebate that can reach up to 50% in some cases. This speaks to the increasingly cutthroat nature of global film production.

As the global market becomes ever more competitive, countries like Abu Dhabi are scrambling to offer lucrative deals and favorable conditions to lure in big-budget productions. But what does this mean for local industries and talent? Herb Gains, EVP of physical production at Legendary Entertainment, noted that “the people, crew, and resources in Abu Dhabi made an incredibly difficult undertaking feel comfortable and easy.” Comfortable and easy – but at what cost?

The reliance on international collaborations and financial incentives raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s film industry. Can it truly thrive without a robust local talent pool or infrastructure? Or is it doomed to remain a hub for foreign productions, forever dependent on the whims of international studios?

As Villeneuve’s trilogy reaches its conclusion, “Dune: Part Three” will undoubtedly be hailed as a spectacle. But beneath the surface lies a more nuanced story – one that speaks to the complex web of interests and motivations driving global cinema.

The Abu Dhabi Film Commission has invested heavily in the production process, with over 600 UAE-based individuals involved in the shoot. While this is touted as a success story, it also raises questions about the working conditions and compensation of local laborers. The partnership between Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment, and their Abu Dhabi counterparts has been facilitated by generous incentives, including a 35% cashback rebate that can reach up to 50% in some cases.

Denis Villeneuve’s decision to return to Abu Dhabi for the final installment of his trilogy is likely driven by a combination of factors. As he prepares to bring his epic conclusion to audiences worldwide, it’s worth examining the relationship between local collaborations and global cinema. What can we learn from the Abu Dhabi case study – and what does it say about the future of international productions?

The release of “Dune: Part Three” on December 18 will undoubtedly be a major event in the world of cinema. But as we await its arrival, it’s worth looking beyond the spectacle to the broader implications for global cinema. What does this trilogy – and Abu Dhabi’s role within it – say about the future of international productions?