NEWS
Star Wars set in Abu Dhabi to become top tourist destination
POSTED 18 Dec 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The Jakku scenes were shot in the Liwa desert, 200km south of Abu Dhabi
The Jakku scenes were shot in the Liwa desert, 200km south of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is planning to piggyback off the success of the recently-released Star Wars movie, using the setting for the remote planet of Jakku from Star Wars: The Force Awakens as a prime tourist destination.

In the new movie, which was released to rave reviews, the desert planet plays a pivotal role in the franchise’s new trilogy.

UAE developer Aldar Properties PJSC and media company twofour54 collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority to create a Star Wars-themed installation for the film’s Middle East premiere. The experience included a look at the film’s creatures, props and set pieces from Jakku, including the marketplace; models of the Jakku speeder truck and landspeeder; and an AT-AT foot.

Beyond the premiere, Abu Dhabi authorities are planning to take advantage of the part it played in bringing the film to life, with plans to use the remains of the desert sets as tourist attractions, incorporating props from the film to create a real-life Star Wars experience.

Twofour54 have confirmed that sets in the Liwa desert, 200km (124m) south of Abu Dhabi, which was the setting of Jakku, will become a tourist attraction, but further details are being kept a secret. Twofour54 are also working on an installation on the facade of Abu Dhabi's Aldar HQ circular skyscraper, transforming the building to resemble the Starkiller Base seen in the new movie.

Twofour54 are also working on an installation on the facade of Abu Dhabi's Aldar HQ circular skyscraper
Abu Dhabi authorities are planning to take advantage of the part it played in bringing the film to life
RELATED STORIES
  Star Wars attractions debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios


Hollywood Studios at Disney World Florida has debuted its new Star Wars attraction – the largest land expansion in company history – opening just ahead of the movie premiere for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which hits cinemas on 18 December.
  Discovery Times Square feeling the force with new Star Wars exhibition


Discovery Times Square has teamed with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (LMoNA) and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) to bring a temporary Star Wars exhibition to New York.
  C3PO actor Anthony Daniels to star at TEA's SATE conference


Anthony Daniels, the only person to appear in all seven Star Wars films where he portrayed protocol droid C3PO, is set to star at this year’s annual Storytelling Architecture Technology Experience (SATE) Conference kicks off in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania next week.
  Disney reveals plans for major Star Wars, Toy Story and Marvel-themed lands at D23 Expo


It’s been a big weekend for Disney, after the company announced details for its first Marvel attraction, a Toy Story-themed expansion at Hollywood Studios and the long- rumoured plans for a Star Wars land at two of its US theme parks.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Star Wars set in Abu Dhabi to become top tourist destination...
07 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

18 Dec 2015

Star Wars set in Abu Dhabi to become top tourist destination
BY Tom Anstey

The Jakku scenes were shot in the Liwa desert, 200km south of Abu Dhabi

The Jakku scenes were shot in the Liwa desert, 200km south of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is planning to piggyback off the success of the recently-released Star Wars movie, using the setting for the remote planet of Jakku from Star Wars: The Force Awakens as a prime tourist destination.

In the new movie, which was released to rave reviews, the desert planet plays a pivotal role in the franchise’s new trilogy.

UAE developer Aldar Properties PJSC and media company twofour54 collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority to create a Star Wars-themed installation for the film’s Middle East premiere. The experience included a look at the film’s creatures, props and set pieces from Jakku, including the marketplace; models of the Jakku speeder truck and landspeeder; and an AT-AT foot.

Beyond the premiere, Abu Dhabi authorities are planning to take advantage of the part it played in bringing the film to life, with plans to use the remains of the desert sets as tourist attractions, incorporating props from the film to create a real-life Star Wars experience.

Twofour54 have confirmed that sets in the Liwa desert, 200km (124m) south of Abu Dhabi, which was the setting of Jakku, will become a tourist attraction, but further details are being kept a secret. Twofour54 are also working on an installation on the facade of Abu Dhabi's Aldar HQ circular skyscraper, transforming the building to resemble the Starkiller Base seen in the new movie.




Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre   07 Jun 2026

Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and .... more>>

Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal
Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal   05 Jun 2026

Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal .... more>>

Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi   05 Jun 2026

Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, .... more>>

Company profile


Technogym UK Ltd

Founded in 1983, Technogym is a world leader brand in fitness, wellness, sport and health.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd