The Indian film star is returning to Abu Dhabi this week to film his latest blockbuster, ‘Race 3’ – just six months [September] after he wrapped production on the huge hit ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, Bollywood’s second highest domestic box office earner of all time.
Race 3’, which is being produced by Salman Khan Films & Tips Industries Ltd, will be shooting at six locations across Abu Dhabi over 35 days – Emirates Palace, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Emirates Steel, Liwa Desert and Leaf Tower.
H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54, said: “We are delighted to welcome Salman Khan back to Abu Dhabi for ‘Race 3’, the fifth major Indian movie to shoot in our city. His return is testament to the confidence of Bollywood studios in twofour54’s proven capabilities in delivering large, complex productions successfully.
“Attracting large productions such as ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ and ‘Race 3’ to Abu Dhabi is an important part of building a thriving and sustainable media industry in the Emirate. Filming the intense and complicated action sequences demanded by such films is made easier with the support of The Armed Forces of UAE – who provide valuable advice and access to equipment.
“Abu Dhabi is now home to a constant flow of productions and we already have a full slate of films using the Emirate as a location this year.
“This is being driven by the many advantages of filming here, such as our world-class infrastructure, diverse locations, government support, incredible freelancer pool of talent, and the attractive 30% rebate on production spend from ADFC.”
‘Race 3’ is the third film in the popular thriller & action franchise and stars Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah & Saqib Saleem. It is directed by Remo D’Souza, the country’s leading Choreographer and Film Maker, responsible for the successful ‘ABCD’ franchise.
Salman Khan said: “It is wonderful to be back in Abu Dhabi, which is such an incredible filming location. Last year, we spent much of our 70-day shoot for Tiger Zinda Hai on the city’s incredible backlot, so it will be exciting to explore more of the Emirate with ‘Race 3’ as we shoot across six locations.
“The Emirate features lovely locales providing incredible versatility for filmmakers. In addition to this, we receive world-class support from twofour54, the local crews, the fans, and the government.
“’Race 3’ is going to be a great movie and we have got some exciting stunts and scenes to shoot over the next month in Abu Dhabi.”
twofour54 is providing full production services as well as the support of its Government and Travel Services department. Four interns will also work on the project, part of twofour54’s aim to ensure that attracting productions to Abu Dhabi helps to develop the Emirate’s media professionals of the future.
Salman Khan Films and Tips Industries Ltd. is also taking advantage of the 30% rebate on production spend in the Emirate from Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC). More than 55 major productions have now accessed the rebate since it was first introduced in 2013. The projects have created a significant tourism spin-off as more than one billion people globally have seen Abu Dhabi because of the productions. Together they have generated more than USD 800 million in publicity value.
The movie also sees the return of leading Hollywood stunt director Tom Struthers- who in collaboration with Anl Arasu, India’s leading action director – will enlist the help of the Armed Forces of UAE. Stuthers also supported ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ last year
Military support will include a Blackhawk helicopter, Oshkosh trucks, NIMR military vehicles, and Humvees.
Additionally, the production’s complexity requires the use of two separate crews – one dedicated for stunts and one working on the rest of the film’s scenes.
‘Race 3’ highlights Abu Dhabi’s successful track record in attracting international film productions to the Emirate. Among the Hollywood studios that have embraced Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years are Universal Pictures with ‘Furious 7’ and ‘The Bourne Legacy’, and Disney with ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’.
Meanwhile Bollywood hits that have been shot in Abu Dhabi include ‘Dishoom’, ‘Baby’, and ‘Bang Bang’.