The Top 10 Movies Filmed in the Middle East

With its rich history and cultural appeal, the Middle East has served as a fascinating background for many classic films. This region has presented filmmakers with a variety of visual and narrative options, from the stunning landscapes of Dubai to the bustling streets of Cairo.

With technology improvements and increased worldwide interest, the Middle East has evolved as a destination for immersive experiences, holding events such as thematic comic cons and providing a range of online gaming sites such as Arabicbet.org. In this article, we will take a look at some of the Middle East’s cinematic gems, highlighting the most memorable films shot in this mesmerizing region.

Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Star Trek Beyond, directed by Justin Lin, was written by Simon Pegg and Doug Jung and directed by Justin Lin. It is based on Gene Roddenberry’s television series Star Trek. The 2016 sci-fi action film follows the encounters of the USS Enterprise’s space crew following an attack by a formidable wave of aliens in Yorktown, on the Federation’s outskirts. While the USS Enterprise is only halfway through its five-year mission, the crew is now forced to face a ruthless enemy of the Federation and its regime on a foreign planet with no hope of assistance.

Due to its futuristic infrastructure, Dubai was an ideal location for the film, which only required minor editing. The Burj Al Arab, Dubai Metro, Sheikh Zayed Road, Meydan Racetrack, and the JLT are all featured in the film.

Wadjda (2012)

Wadjda is a Saudi-based drama film that follows the journey of a typical Saudi Arabian woman and the obstacles she faces while pursuing her passion. It focuses on equalizing opportunities for men and women by telling the story of Wadjda, a vibrant 10-year-old girl determined to compete in a bicycle race with her friend, Abdullah. When Wadjda asks her parents to buy her a bicycle, her mother refuses, fearing the consequences of undermining societal norms about women. The film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that includes humor, heartbreak, and inspiration.

A Separation (2011)

A Separation, as the title suggests, focuses on the ups and downs of getting a divorce in a traditional setting. It depicts Iranian society’s dynamics through a family drama story involving Simin, Nader’s wife, who wishes to return to her parent’s home for a better life. Nader, a traditionalist, decides to stay and care for his father, who is ill. Razieh, a maid, is hired to look after his home. The two families are then involved in a Sharia court case, which sparks a cross-class conflict. The film provides a candid look at Iranian society, bringing to light facts that have long been hidden due to media censorship.

Theeb (2014)

Theeb is a drama thriller about the pilgrims’ invasion of Mecca during WWI and the impact it had on trade. The film takes place in the Wadi Rum Desert during an uprising against Ottoman imperialism among Arabian tribes sparked by the British. According to the film’s director, Nai Abu Nowar, the film “narrates a revolution through the eyes of a bedouin or nomad boy who meets a British man as a guest in his family tent home looking for a guide for the first time.”

Theeb is confronted with a slew of new realities, including the ongoing war and the construction of the Hejaz railway line, which threatens his livelihood as a guide. A stranger describes it to him as an “iron donkey” capable of transporting Brits to Mecca in a week while taking the guides a month. The film is hugely popular in Jordan, where it received an Oscar nomination for best foreign language film.

Syriana (2005)

Syriana is an action thriller film about power dynamics in the oil industry. Corruption spreads from the Americas to the Middle East as a result of the vast wealth in the business. Politicians, princes, industrialists, oilfield laborers, spies, and terrorists are locked in a never-ending battle for the power and wealth that drives the industry. Syriana, starring Matt Damon, Christopher Plummer, Chris Cooper, and George Clooney, will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film won an Academy Award for best original screenplay and George Clooney won an Oscar for best-supporting actor.

Final Word

The Middle East has served as an intriguing and diverse background for some of history’s most remarkable films. From the futuristic appeal of Dubai in “Star Trek Beyond” to the emotional exploration of Saudi Arabian society in “Wadjda,” each film gives a fresh take on the region’s culture, history, and socioeconomic dynamics. These films, which explore family dramas, political intrigue, and exhilarating adventures, demonstrate the ability and originality of both local and foreign directors. With its rich storytelling and magnificent landscapes, the Middle East continues to inspire and attract spectators, creating a lasting imprint on the world of cinema.