Dubai is back in the spotlight, this time with a starring role in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, the new Amazon MGM Studios feature now streaming globally on Prime Video.
Filmed in early 2025, the popular franchise film features Dubai as one of five key cities, showcasing some of the emirate’s most recognisable locations, including:
- Dubai Marina
- Al Seef
- One&Only One Za’abeel
- Emirates Towers
- DIFC’s Gate Avenue
- Burj Park
- And, the desert.
But this is more than a cinematic cameo. For Dubai, the film marks another step in its rise as a global hub for media production, entertainment and screen-led tourism.
The production was supported by the Dubai Media Council, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Film Development Committee and several public and private sector partners, highlighting the emirate’s growing ability to host major international shoots.
From smooth logistics, strong infrastructure, permits, talent, transport and government support, Dubai is proving it can deliver both unique scenery, and a supportive production experience.
Why it matters for tourism
Film and television have always had the power to influence where people travel. A single scene can turn a landscape, hotel, city street or historic site into a must-visit destination. Mamma Mia still encourages tourism to Greece, Paris contains a world of TV scenes that travellers want to visit and make their mark on.
For leisure travellers, Dubai on the big screen sparks curiosity, while for the travel trade, it creates fresh hooks for itineraries, packages, campaigns and content. Dubai is not just being shown as a stopover, shopping hub or luxury escape. It is being framed as a city of action, culture, innovation and atmosphere.
Another Middle East big screen moment
Dubai’s latest on-screen appearance also reflects a wider opportunity for the region. The Middle East and North Africa are increasingly being recognised as cinematic destinations with serious global appeal.
Morocco has already shown what this can look like with Game of Thrones at locations such as Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and Essaouira.
Now, Dubai is taking that conversation in a different direction, showing how a modern city can use global entertainment partnerships to support tourism, build its creative economy and strengthen its international profile.
More than a backdrop
What makes the latest Jack Ryan: Ghost War film important is that Dubai is not just appearing on screen. It is positioning itself as part of the global production landscape.
For tourism boards, hotels, airlines and operators, this kind of exposure can become a powerful business driver. It creates new reasons to talk about the destination, fresh ways to inspire travellers and another layer of storytelling for the trade.
Dubai has always understood the power of spectacle. With Jack Ryan: Ghost War, it is showing how spectacle can become strategy. And for the Middle East, the screen tourism story is only just getting started.
