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A screengrab from video footage supplied by Gulf News reader Daniel Mathew shows Hollywood actor Tom Cruise abseiling off the Burj Khalifa while filming Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol. Image Credit: Footage suppied by Daniel Mathew

The view on a clear day from the top of the world’s tallest building is always pretty impressive.

Throw in Tom Cruise dangling mid-air outside the window and impressive just got bumped to extraordinary.

Dubai resident Daniel Mathew couldn’t believe his luck when Cruise descended into shot on his hand-held video camera and gave him a wave.

Mohammad shows Tom Cruise how to hold a falcon
Tom Cruise spotted at the Burj Khalifa





Mathew, who has lived in the city for 16 years, looked out from behind the camera and did a double take before telling his wife, Caroline, and two children Luke, 6, and Eva, 4.

The 48-year-old Hollywood star, suspended by several safety wires, was filming a stunt for Mission Impossible IV.

The scene sees him chasing another actor around the outside of the 2,717ft Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai.

“I wanted to show my sister Caitlin something new and unique in Dubai as she has visited many times before,” said Mathew. “Mission accomplished I think.

“We stepped on the observation deck and a man appeared. I assumed it was a brave window cleaner. But then I recognised Tom and he waved. I continued to film as he descended down the building.

“Luke had a soft toy from school which the children take to unique places and take snaps of to show the class on Sunday morning. Luke has a picture of Kimberley the teddy with Tom Cruise. Don’t think she’ll get a better outing snap this year.

Stunned onlookers on the observation deck on the tower’s 124th floor told Gulf News they were amazed to see the star, who is famous for doing his own death-defying stunts, descend in front of them and abseil down the front of the building.

MI 4, starring Tom Cruise, is being filmed in Dubai for the next three weeks at various locations including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Centre and the custom-built set at IMPZ.

Tom Cruise enjoyed a meal at Segretto at Jumeirah’s Al Qasr Hotel on Tuesday night.

Diners spotted him walking around the restaurant in shorts and trainers. 

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We tweeted and he replied. Obviously happy to be in Dubai Tom (or his people) sent a message in Arabic for his Arabic-speaking fans in the region.

Roughly translated it said: Thanks to all Twitter users in Dubai who have sent us the greatest of messages – which we appreciate very much

Just a day before Gulf News sent an Arabic message to the star. It said: Welcome Tom Cruise in Dubai. What about your audience in the UAE and your fans in the Arab world? What do you have to say to them?

Keep in touch Tom.

Click here to read more stories about Tom Cruise in Dubai.

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