Gwyneth Paltrow on Dubai: 'My time there was beyond anything I expected and there’s still so much more to see'

Back in April this year, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zoe Saldana and Kate Hudson were all spotted in Dubai, Instagramming their antics as they explored the city's desert, beaches and the Dubai Creek. Three weeks earlier in March, Paltrow starred in one of Shah Rukh Khan's #BeMyGuest Dubai Tourism videos. So we had an inkling that the trio could have been gearing up to star in a campaign of their own, especially as they all tagged #Dubai in their photos from the trip. Well, our suspicions proved to be correct, as the trio of Hollywood actresses were announced as the faces of Dubai Tourism's brand new A Story Takes Flight film and campaign. The short film, which supports the promotion, sees the actresses embark upon on three journeys of exploration through the emirate, "filled with inspiration, discovery, and human connections", according to Dubai Tourism. The film is directed by Reed Morano and is yet to be released in its entirety. However, the trailers have landed, and Paltrow's sees her explore the souks, try her hand at watersports and dance in a nightclub. Hudson, meanwhile, is seen in Old Dubai, by the Creek at sunset and doing karaoke, while Saldana is in the desert with her children, exploring City Walk, checking out the Dubai Frame and motorbiking towards the Burj Khalifa. Goop founder Paltrow has spoken about her time filming in Dubai, saying: "One of my favourite parts of travelling is to truly connect with a city, its people and the local culture. Dubai is special because it's a melting pot. Both the ones born here, who are so proud of their heritage, and those who are recent transplants, bringing with them their own values and traditions, contribute to writing the future story of the city. My time in Dubai was beyond anything I expected and there’s still so much more to see.” Hudson has also spoken about filming in the emirate, saying: "Honestly, I was so grateful for the hospitality I received. I spent a lot of time exploring the winding streets of Old Dubai. It’s incredible to find such a vibrant art and music community in the heart of such a modern, futuristic city – which is what most people think Dubai is. But really, the friendliness of the people is what made my visit amazing, and it’s why I’ll come back." While in Dubai, Hudson stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, with partner Danny Fujikawa. Saldana also commented on the city, saying: "The variety Dubai gave me was perfect. I went from riding horses at sunrise to watching the sunset from 150 meters in the sky. I can’t wait to bring my boys here to continue the adventure." “Inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai’s aspirational leadership, the people of Dubai reflect the city’s underlying spirit, where the pursuit of excellence has no finish line," chief executive of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim, said of the campaign. " A Story Takes Flight is unlike any other film in that it speaks to this defining character of our city. It is a story of each person's discovery through their interaction with Dubai. Regardless of who you are or where you are from, your journey with us also has no finish line – and the paths to explore are endless." _________________ Read more: Lights, camera, action: Inside the just-opened Paramount Hotel Dubai UAE residents can register for special Emirates A380 National Day flight The life of a flying butler: serving the world's elite at 35,000 feet ________________

Gwyneth Paltrow on Dubai: 'My time there was beyond anything I expected and there’s still so much more to see'

Paltrow stars alongside Kate Hudson and Zoe Saldana in a new Dubai Tourism campaign