Neom has become a popular destination as the backdrop for films and television projects. AFP
Neom has become a popular destination as the backdrop for films and television projects. AFP
Neom has become a popular destination as the backdrop for films and television projects. AFP
Neom has become a popular destination as the backdrop for films and television projects. AFP

Terry George's Riverman to be partly filmed in Neom


Evelyn Lau
  • English
  • Arabic

Terry George, an Oscar-winning Irish director known for his films Hotel Rwanda and In the Name of the Father, will shoot part of his next project at Neom in Saudi Arabia.

Called Riverman, the film is inspired by true events that unfolded between 2001 and 2008 during the war in Afghanistan. It tells the story of a highly decorated British Royal Marine named Max who goes bad after a series of devastating events and becomes an arms dealer to supply weapons to private armies around the world.

Casting is still under way and principal photography is scheduled for January next year in Neom, the futuristic city in the north-west of the kingdom. The film will also be shot in the UK.

Riverman is a powerful, highly dramatic war story,” said George. “I am excited to be directing this great project in Neom.”

Wayne Borg, managing director of media, entertainment and culture at Neom, said: “We are thrilled to welcome acclaimed writer and director Terry George to Neom to shoot his upcoming action feature Riverman.

“The production team’s confidence in Neom is a real testament to our world-class offering of state-of-the-art facilities, great crews, the sheer breadth of diverse locations, and our globally competitive 40 per cent plus-plus production cash rebate incentive.”

Over the last 18 months, Neom has become a popular destination for films and television. Other movies to have been filmed there recently include Rupert Wyatt’s Desert Warrior with Anthony Mackie and Ben Kingsley, Bollywood blockbuster Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Shah Rukh Khan, and the TV shows Million Dollar Island and Rise of the Witches.

“These are exciting times as high-end TV and film productions head to shoot in Neom for the big studios and streamers to meet the unprecedented demand for high-quality content,” said Borg.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Meydan race card

6.30pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,600m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh 185,000 2,000m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh 190,000 1,400m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh 175,000 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap Dh 175,000 1,200m
10pm: Handicap Dh 165,000 1,600m

SPECS

Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 306hp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500

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Women%E2%80%99s%20T20%20World%20Cup%20Qualifier
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Profile

Company name: Jaib

Started: January 2018

Co-founders: Fouad Jeryes and Sinan Taifour

Based: Jordan

Sector: FinTech

Total transactions: over $800,000 since January, 2018

Investors in Jaib's mother company Alpha Apps: Aramex and 500 Startups

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England squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale 

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse

Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

While you're here
Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

Going grey? A stylist's advice

If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”

Updated: May 19, 2023, 8:01 AM