Dune: Part Three: discover images from filming in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert

Denis Villeneuve has once again set his cameras in the Liwa desert, to bring Arrakis to life. New photos reveal these crazy settings.

While the spectacular trailer for Dune: Part Three has just been revealed, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission has shared new behind-the-scenes images from filming in the Liwa Desert, which once again embodies the planet Arrakis.

Since the first part, this immense expanse of dunes located in the west of the emirate has served as a natural setting for the world of the Fremen imagined by Frank Herbert.

Denis Villeneuve once again found Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya and a large part of the cast to conclude his trilogy.

Inspired by the novel The Messiah of Dunethis third chapter takes place almost 20 years after the events of Dune: Part Two.

“Nearly twenty years after taking control of the Empire, Paul Atreides now reigns as a ruthless emperor. As old allies resurface, new threats emerge, and betrayal lurks at every turn, Paul must confront the consequences of the brutality of his reign. Haunted by visions announcing the fall of the Empire and the return of the woman he thought lost forever, Paul finds himself drawn into a vast and mysterious conspiracy to which Chani may hold the key. As the rebellion gains ground and his adversaries tighten their grip, Paul understands that power has a price. But will he be able to save those dearest to him?” details the official synopsis.

Filming in Abu Dhabi involved more than 600 professionals based in the United Arab Emirates over 31 days. For Sameer Al Jaberi, director of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, the team’s return was a no-brainer: “Seeing the Liwa desert once again embody Arrakis in Denis Villeneuve’s latest installment is a highlight for the entire creative ecosystem of Abu Dhabi.”

Same enthusiasm from Herb Gains, vice-president of physical production at Legendary Entertainment, who assures that he has “never been a question” to turn elsewhere. According to him, no other place in the world offers such spectacular landscapes, while benefiting from such effective infrastructure and support.

A nice advertisement for the Gulf country, which put money on the table to attract Hollywood production: like the two previous films, Dune: Part Three benefited from Abu Dhabi’s generous financial incentive program, which reimburses up to 35% of local production expenses, or even 50% in some cases.

Expected in theaters on December 16, 2026 in France, Dune: Part Three will conclude Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious trilogy devoted to the work of Frank Herbert.