The popularity of the Star Wars franchise is undeniable. The movies are so influential that past filming locations have become places of pilgrimage for fans and their families. In southern Tunisia, where filming for a number of Star Wars films took place, tourism has flourished with hotels popping up inside old sets. With the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens less than 100 days away, local prestige will soon benefit from the Star Wars touch.
The latest instalment was partially shot in the desert outside Abu Dhabi. As the visibility of the UAE as a premier destination continues to rise – thanks to the expanding reach of our aviation sector and high profile events such as Expo 2020 – it is important to maintain diversity in our tourism portfolio. Our burgeoning film industry also has much to gain from the visibility attached to the Star Wars brand.
Rumours that the red carpet world premiere of the film will be held in Abu Dhabi are enticing, but the fact is that the Star Wars magic has already been sprinkled across the emirate.
