Bollywood superstar Salman Khan returned to Abu Dhabi last week to film his latest action film Race 3, just six months after he wrapped up filming Tiger Zinda Hai.
Race 3 will shoot 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 and Liwa Desert.
Race 3 is the third film in the popular action franchise and also stars Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah and Saqib Saleem. It is directed by Remo D’Souza.
“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,” said Maryam Eid Al Mheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority — Abu Dhabi and twofour54.
“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 the UAE — who provide valuable advice and access to equipment.”
Race 3 producers have taken advantage of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s (ADFC) 30 per cent rebate on production spend, she added.
“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,” said Khan. “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.”
The film 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 UAE Armed Forces. 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 is the latest major film to shoot in Abu Dhabi, which has hosted Hollywood films including Furious 7, The Bourne Legacy and Star Wars: The Force Awakens; and Bollywood films Dishoom, Baby and Bang Bang.
