Written by new-contact on May 21, 2014. Posted in On Location

Abu Dhabi officially confirmed as first Star Wars: Episode VII filming location

Abu Dhabi has been officially confirmed as the first filming location for Star Wars: Episode VII. Lucasfilm is working locally with twofour54, the commercial arm of Abu Dhabi’s Media Zone Authority. The city offers a 30% filming incentive, which has helped boost its international appeal.

“We were very excited to start the filming of Star Wars: Episode VII in Abu Dhabi – it has been an incredible place to commence this journey,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

Added twofour54 head Noura Al Kaabi: “We are delighted that Abu Dhabi has attracted another major international production and are thrilled to have welcomed the Star Wars team.

"Having Star Wars: Episode VII film in the Emirate shows Abu Dhabi is emerging as the region’s leading media and entertainment hub.”

Abu Dhabi will reportedly stand in for the desert planet Tatooine, a key location in the Star Wars universe as the home of Luke Skywalker in the original trilogy, and also for his father Anakin in the prequel films.

We were very excited to start the filming of Star Wars: Episode VII in Abu Dhabi – it has been an incredible place to commence this journey.

Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm

Tunisia was filmed as Tatooine for scenes in both the original and prequel trilogies. Authorities recently launched a campaign to preserve sets that still remain from filming in the 90s and had hoped to host filming on the new movie, but the country’s uncertain security situation deterred Lucasfilm and parent company Disney.

Hosting Star Wars: Episode VII will be a big profile boost for Abu Dhabi, which has had recent successes hosting Hollywood action sequel Fast & Furious 7 and Bollywood movie Bang Bang.

Star Wars: Episode VII is set to complete its studio work at Pinewood Studios in London, having been drawn by the UK’s generous filming incentives.

(Photos: Lucasfilm)