Star Trek's next voyage is Dubai

Dubai - Hollywood movie crews recently got Fast & Furious in the capital's Etihad Towers and made the Force Awaken as they filmed parts of the new Star Wars instalment in the neighbouring Western Region desert.
Now it's Dubai's turn to get in on the big-budget blockbuster action. In a move that will delight UAE Trekkies, calls of "beam me up, Scotty", may be heard from as yet undisclosed locations around the city as the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) on Sunday announced the third Star Trek movie, starring Chris Pine and Simon Pegg, will film scenes in the emirate in October this year in preparation for a July 2016 release.
After two successful outings in Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), which recorded a combined three billion dirhams at the box office for Paramount Pictures, expectations are high for the third chapter tentatively titled Star Trek Beyond, directed by Justin Lin (Fast and the Furious 3-6).
The Dubai Film and TV Commission who announced the news stated Dubai Studio City will provide technical support for parts of the film, and location owners will be closely involved in supporting the shooting across various locations.
"The shooting of this film in the emirate is a real testament to Dubai and the UAE's development into a hub for film and production, and Paramount Pictures joins the growing interest from regional and international filmmakers who are recognising the emirate as an established filming destination," Chairman of the Dubai Film and TV Commission, Jamal Al Sharif said. "This production will also provide a great opportunity for local talent to acquire new skills, and gain first-hand insight into the techniques and processes required for a film of this size."
As with Furious Seven and Star Wars, the 'local talent' employed in Star Trek may extend to walk-on or supporting artiste roles provided by Dubai casting agents, including Miranda Davidson Studios. When the Vin Diesel-starrer premiered in April, Davidson told Khaleej Times: "We drew partly from our own database but we made a point that we wanted to give anyone and everyone in the UAE a chance to be a part of this." So if there happens to be a few adept at the 'live long and prosper' salute, maybe UAE residents should start preparing to be beamed up.
david@khaleejtimes.com