Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis Revealed as Key Location for Dune 2 – Unveiling the “Real” Arrakis

For fans of Denis Villeneuve’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Dune, the recent release of Part Two has undoubtedly reignited their fascination with Frank Herbert’s captivating universe. The film’s box office success, surpassing the coveted $500 million mark globally in March 2024, is a testament to its captivating visuals and compelling narrative.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the cinematic experience, an exclusive behind-the-scenes video and feature on the Variety website in March shed light on the film’s production. Notably, the awe-inspiring real-world location that served as the backdrop for the harsh desert planet of Arrakis was brought to light: Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis.

Eagle-eyed viewers who marvelled at Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) perilous journeys across the treacherous sands and his encounters with the fearsome sandworms can now appreciate the meticulous attention to detail employed by Villeneuve and his crew.

It was revealed that the director opted for practical locations over solely relying on computer-generated imagery. Thus, nearly a month was spent shooting scenes in the heart of the Arabian desert, specifically the Liwa Oasis. This region boasts some of the world’s most impressive sand dunes, with some towering over 600 feet tall. Liwa sits at the edge of the Rub’ al Khali, the Earth’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, further solidifying its resemblance to the unforgiving landscapes of Arrakis.

“Dune is about the relationship of humans with nature”, Villeneuve emphasised in the promo; he also remarked about his desire to bring nature to the screen in a believable way for the audience by making it feel “real” and “tactile”.

Apart from being the key location for the film’s intriguing storyline, this imposing desert also offered the star-studded cast a luxurious home at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. For fans captivated by the film’s desert scenes and yearning for a taste of Arrakis, this unique Abu Dhabi resort offers the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Liwa Oasis firsthand, minus any sandworm encounters!