Saudi
Arabia’s AlUla offers stunning locations for film shootings
Part action spectacle, part emotional drama, Kandahar (2023) follows CIA operative Tom Harris (Gerard Butler) as he races
across hostile territory in the Middle East with his Afghan translator after a
covert mission is compromised. While the film gained traction in theaters and
surged again on Prime Video, its immersive atmosphere—especially the stark
desert backdrops—left audiences wondering: Where
was it filmed?
The answer made Hollywood history. Kandahar became the first major U.S. action
movie to film in AlUla and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—regions whose
dramatic landscapes doubled convincingly for war-torn Afghanistan.
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Arabia: Film AlUla joins hands with MBS MENA to become a premier production hub
AlUla & Jeddah: The Real
Stars of the Film
·
AlUla — Known for sweeping sandstone canyons, ancient
rock formations, and archaeological sites, this northwestern region provided
the rugged terrain essential to the film’s realism.
·
Jeddah — The vibrant Red Sea port city stood in for
urban scenes, offering a stark contrast to AlUla’s vast wilderness.
Filming here was more than a creative
choice—it was a milestone. Supported by the Saudi Film Commission
and Film
AlUla, the production built temporary infrastructure, from
roads to desert encampments, setting a precedent for future Hollywood projects
in the kingdom following its cinema ban lift in 2018.
Visiting the Filming
Locations
Best
Time to Go: November–March for cooler weather.
Getting Around: In AlUla, taxis,
car rentals, or 4×4 vehicles are ideal for desert exploration. In Jeddah, use
buses, the high-speed railway, or ride-sharing apps.
Read More "Within
Sand": First Saudi film shot in Neom pays tribute to Bedouin heritage
Things
to Do:
·
AlUla: Explore AlUla Old Town, Maraya concert hall.
·
Jeddah: Visit Al Taybat Museum, shop at Red Sea Mall.
Where to
Eat:
·
AlUla: Somewhere—Arabian-Mediterranean fusion favorite.
·
Jeddah: Al Wazzan (Lebanese) or MYAZU (Japanese fine
dining).
Where to
Stay:
·
AlUla: Our Habitas AlUla, Shaden Resort.
·
Jeddah: ibis Jeddah City Center, Rosemond Alhamra Hotel.
By choosing Saudi Arabia’s untamed beauty and cultural depth, Kandahar didn’t just tell a story—it opened
a new chapter for global filmmaking in the region.
Source: https://travelnoire.com/
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