‘Dune 3’: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Denis Villeneuve Return to Abu Dhabi Desert That Doubles as Planet Arrakis in Behind-the-Scenes Images

The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) has shared new behind-the-scenes images of “Dune: Part Three” filming in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert. Throughout the sci-fi trilogy, the large oasis area in the Western Region of the Emirate has provided a substantial portion of the landscape of the desert planet Arrakis, home to the monstrous sandworms.

“Dune: Part Three” brings Denis Villeneuve’s trilogy to “a breathtaking conclusion,” according to the provided synopsis. The final installment — which has just unveiled an action-packed new trailer — sees Timothée Chalamet return as Paul Atreides, continuing the story after his ascent to power at the end of “Part Two.” Inspired by Frank Herbert’s novel “Dune Messiah,” the action takes place 17 years after the events of the previous film and explores the consequences of Paul’s rule as emperor.

“Now a ruthless Emperor, Paul must face the consequences of his reign as old allies return, terrifying new threats emerge, and betrayal lurks in every shadow,” the synopsis says.

“Haunted by visions of Imperial collapse and the reappearance of his long-lost love, Paul is drawn into a sweeping conspiracy, with Chani at the heart of its unfolding mystery.  As rebellion brews and enemies close in, Paul must confront the true cost of power and the fate of those he loves the most,” it adds.

“The opportunity to once again work with the incredible cast and crew from ‘Dune: Part Three’ as Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert stars as Arrakis for Denis Villeneuve’s culminating installment was really a poignant and pivotal moment for the entire creative ecosystem of Abu Dhabi,” said Sameer Al Jaberi, head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, in a statement.

More than 600 UAE-based individuals were involved in the film’s 31-day Abu Dhabi shoot.

Commented Herb Gains, EVP of physical production at Legendary Entertainment: “Returning to Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert for ‘Dune: Part Three’ was never in doubt.”

“I can’t think of any place else in the world that provides such stunning imagery, as well as the support we’ve received from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and our partners there across all three films. The people, crew, and resources in Abu Dhabi made an incredibly difficult undertaking feel comfortable and easy, and the attention to detail and care shown to our cast and crew was exceptional,” he added.

“Dune: Part Three” benefited from Abu Dhabi’s 35% cashback rebate that, in some cases, can reach up to 50% of qualified below-the-line spend. The shoot was supported by Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi (CMA) and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, with Image Nation Studios serving as a production partner and Epic Films as the local production services provider. 

Warner Bros. and Legendary release “Dune: Part Three” on Dec. 18.