The Galactic Nod of Abu Dhabi to Star Wars

Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map.

Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm and J.J. Abrams, Director talked about the importance of real set, real icons for the purpose of grounded sensibility. They have stressed the importance of audience's feeling of realness as they watch the 7th installation of Star Wars, The Force Awakens.

Rick Carter, Production Director

"So that's why we are going to a real desert; it's a beautiful desert. The sand dunes in Abu Dhabi are actually unbeatable that I have ever seen in my entire life"

John Boyega as Finn

"Being in Abu Dhabi, shooting the first couple scenes of Star Wars, it's, surreal

Production Volunteer

"I'm having the best experience in my entire life, the people around me are amazing- its mind-blowing!"

It was a huge production with huge requirements from Abu Dhabi that needs to happen. For them, it was a difficult task that they need to pull- the reason why they had to contact several in-charge persons from military, Civil Defense and Ministry of Interior. They had to work hand in hand with regards to pyrotechnics and a lot of movie activation that needs keen production.