Why Abu Dhabi Is the Ultimate Location for Brad Pitt’s ‘F1: The Movie’ — and Your Next Vacation

The Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Creative Media Authority released a promotional video about what it’s like to film at the Yas Marina Circuit during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for F1: The Movie.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the movie uses footage from an actual Formula 1 event in December 2024. The cast and crew filmed on-site for 29 days, with local support from Epic Films. Notably, F1 is the first movie to capture on-track footage during a live Grand Prix, with additional filming done at other high-profile races like the British Grand Prix and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Kosinski praised Yas Marina as a standout location for its distinct aesthetics as well as cooperation from all 10 racing teams, which allowed the filmmakers to shoot scenes during the race.

“Abu Dhabi was the ideal place to end this film,” Kosinski says in the promotional video, calling out stunning locations, strong support, and hospitality in the region. Pitt, for his part, adds that “Abu Dhabi is so awesome.”

There’s a reason why Abu Dhabi is considered one of the most exiting destinations in the Middle East. Incredible hotels (including one of the most luxurious stays anywhere), cultural institutions, and a welcoming and delicious food culture all add to the obvious appeal from high-profile entertainment developments. Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina is also, of course, one of the best places to catch an F1 event.

According to a press release, the Middle East premiere of F1: The Movie was held at Yas Marina on June 26 and earned about $2.7 million in its opening weekend in the UAE. That set a record in the region for an Apple Films movie and for anything involving Pitt and Kosinski (who also led many successful big-budget films, including Top Gun: Maverick).

Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi and the broader United Arab Emirates have emerged as major hubs for international film production, driven by dramatic landscapes, modern infrastructure, and increasingly competitive financial incentives. Abu Dhabi, in particular, has played host to numerous blockbuster projects including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Fast & Furious 7, and Dune: Part Two. In addition to Western blockbusters, major Indian films such as have also filmed in the region, helping to solidify the UAE’s reputation as a go-to destination for big-budget cinematic productions. These high-profile shoots have leveraged the emirate’s diverse locations, ranging from futuristic cityscapes to vast desert expanses, as well as the technical and logistical support offered by local production companies and authorities like the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Creative Media Authority. To help draw further producer attention, Abu Dhabi has rebates of up to 50 percent for qualified local expenditures.

One thing has become clear over the past decade: Abu Dhabi is one of the premier destinations for set-jetters and movie producers alike — in addition to dedicated F1 fans and the new followers inspired by F1: The Movie.