Written by new-contact on Nov 7, 2013. Posted in On Location

Fast & Furious 7 to start filming visual effects and stunt work on location in Abu Dhabi

Action sequel Fast & Furious 7 starts filming on location in Abu Dhabi this week. The shoot will initially focus on stunts, aerial filming and visual effects work, before the main cast arrives in the Emirate in January 2014.

“Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious franchise is known for its legacy of shoots in amazing locations,” said Noura Al Kaabi, Chief Executive of twofour54 in Abu Dhabi.

“Following the enormous success of Fast & Furious 6, it’s great that Abu Dhabi has been selected for this latest film, not just because this will be the biggest movie to be shot in Abu Dhabi to date, generating substantial international media exposure for the Emirate, but also because of the huge amount of local investment and work-experience opportunities for young Emiratis that a Hollywood blockbuster of this scale brings. This is a wonderful opportunity for Abu Dhabi’s growing film talent to acquire new skills.

“Directly, major productions such as Fast & Furious 7 shot in Abu Dhabi create new and highly qualified jobs, grow a deeper pool of industry talent, provide opportunities for service and equipment providers, a robust production infrastructure and contribute to the establishment of new companies to service the film industry. Indirectly, their box-office appeal has a positive impact on UAE tourism and trade.”

Abu Dhabi offers a 30% filming incentive, which has been a major factor in attracting the latest Fast & Furious feature. The incentive was launched in mid-2012 and has attracted producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s supernatural thriller Beware the Night, which filmed scenes this summer at twofour54 intaj’s studio facilities and on location at Liwa Oasis near Abu Dhabi.

Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious franchise is known for its legacy of shoots in amazing locations.

Noura Al Kaabi, twofour54

The Fast & Furious franchise is developing a reputation for diverse location filming, having shot in places as starkly different as Rio de Janeiro, London, Glasgow and Spain's Canary Islands for its past two entries.

In the United Arab Emirates, the film is being supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, which is assisting the production team with visas, budgeting and scheduling, as well as services like accommodation, catering and flights.