First look at Dune: Part Three - Putting Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert back in the Spotlight

If you’ve ever driven out to Liwa and thought it felt a little otherworldly, you’re not wrong.

The first teaser for Dune: Part Three has just dropped, and it opens with sweeping shots of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert, once again standing in as the iconic planet Arrakis. Towering dunes, endless horizons and that unmistakable golden glow take centre stage, reminding you just how cinematic this part of the UAE really is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZFujpe3ELw

This isn’t the first time Liwa has played a starring role in the franchise. It featured heavily in Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024), and now returns for the final chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s trilogy. Filming for this instalment began in July 2025, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s place as a go-to location for major Hollywood productions.

The upcoming film brings back a big-name cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa and Florence Pugh, alongside familiar faces like Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem. New additions, including Anya Taylor-Joy and Robert Pattinson, are also set to appear, adding even more anticipation around the final chapter.

Beyond the big screen appeal, it’s another moment that puts Abu Dhabi firmly on the global stage. The emirate has quietly built a strong reputation within the film industry, with productions drawn in by its landscapes, infrastructure and support from entities like the Creative Media Authority and Abu Dhabi Film Commission.

For the rest of us, it means something quite simple. That cinematic desert you see on screen is right here, just a few hours’ drive away. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend escape, sunset drive or just to see it for yourself, Liwa has already proven it’s more than just a backdrop.

Dune: Part Three is expected to land in cinemas around mid-December 2026. Until then, the teaser is your reminder that one of the world’s most visually striking film locations is sitting right on your doorstep.