The galaxy far, far away is getting closer. After spending months filming in Abu Dhabi last year, Star Wars: The Force Awakens will have its Middle East premiere on December 16 at Emirates Palace, a day before its regional release.
A spokesperson for media company twofour54, which facilitated the Abu Dhabi shoot, said the red carpet event will be an ‘exclusive experience’, not seen anywhere else in the world. But sorry fans — it will be by invite only.
One of the most keenly-awaited films of the year with record advance ticket sales, the JJ Abrams-directed film will have its world premiere on December 14 in Los Angeles, with cast members including Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels and Peter Mayhew expected to attend. New recruits in this seventh instalment include John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver, Gwendoline Christie, Max von Sydow and Lupita Nyong’o.
Organisers would not confirm if the film’s stars or crew will be attending the UAE premiere. Abu Dhabi is believed to be playing Jakku, a desert planet, according to StarWars.com.
“Having Star Wars: The Force Awakens screen in Abu Dhabi prior to its general release is a real validation for how successful the filming was whilst the production was here,” said Noura Al Kaabi, the CEO of twofour54. “To date, all of the trailers and TV spots for the film have included scenes from Abu Dhabi. We are very proud of our achievements and excited for audiences around the world to experience Abu Dhabi on the big screen”.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens releases in the UAE on December 17.
