Dubai Film and TV Commission has finally confirmed what we have known since April with the announcement that Justin Lin's new movie in the rebooted Star Trek franchise will film in Dubai, in October of this year.
The announcement comes shortly after the film's producer's, Skydance Productions, announced that they would be heading to Dubai for shooting.
Other than the now confirmed date, the commission isn’t giving too much more away. Commission head Jamal Al Sharif said: “We are delighted that Dubai has been selected for the filming of this international blockbuster production, particularly to mark their 50th anniversary, and we look forward to welcoming the Star Trek team. Not only will this shine the spotlight on Dubai and the UAE’s excellent locations, infrastructure and flexibility, but it will significantly boost the UAE’s economy, tourism and entertainment sectors. The shooting of this film in the emirate is a real testament to Dubai and the UAE’s development into a hub for film and production, and Paramount Pictures joins the growing interest from regional and international filmmakers who are recognising the emirate as an established filming destination. This production will also provide a great opportunity for local talent to acquire new skills, and gain first-hand insight into the techniques and processes required for a film of this size.”
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, added: “TV and film is an incredibly powerful platform through which we can showcase the many tourism facets of Dubai and being associated with a movie of this caliber is a great opportunity for us to reach millions of people across the globe. The city’s world-renowned architecture, diverse landscapes and attractions are proving increasingly attractive to filmmakers and we are seeing Dubai gain a reputation as a world-class filming location. In turn, these factors are portrayed to viewers across the globe, raising awareness and reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination.”
cnewbould@thenational.ae