Sci-Fi On Location: Real-World Settings from Your Favorite Films

7. Dubai, UAE – Tomorrow’s Skyline in Star Trek Beyond

Dubai is perhaps the only city on Earth where reality looks more futuristic than fiction. Its skyline—dotted with sleek skyscrapers, including the record-breaking Burj Khalifa—helped bring the utopian space station of Yorktown to life in Star Trek Beyond. With its curving architecture, man-made islands, and gravity-defying towers, Dubai offers a glimpse into what future urban centers might actually look like. Even outside of film, the city feels like science fiction: autonomous metro systems, robotic police trials, and AI-driven infrastructure are already in play. Art installations and digital museums push the boundaries of immersive technology, while luxury experiences like indoor skiing and sky-high lounges echo sci-fi opulence. For fans of futuristic cinema, visiting Dubai feels like stepping onto the set of a film that hasn’t been made yet. It’s a real-world taste of tomorrow—built into the skyline of today.