Filming for Major in Dubai began in late autumn in the city, backed by the Dubai Film and TV Commission. Local authorities welcomed the project as a vivid example of cross-border collaboration in cinema, and the Kinopoisk press service shared the news with audiences eager for updates from the set. The rapid organization of permits, location support, and on-site logistics reflected Dubai’s growing role as a destination for large-scale shoots that require advanced infrastructure, modern studios, and experienced crews. Producers described the opening phase as a strong vote of confidence in the city’s ability to host ambitious cinema while offering creative freedom, safety standards, and efficient permitting that can keep schedules on track. Dubai’s climate, urban variety, and desert landscapes provided a versatile backdrop for a story that blends contemporary city life with sweeping, cinematic vistas.
Strategically, Major in Dubai marks the first major international project for the Yandex production center in regions across the Maghreb and the Middle East. This step signals a broader push by the Russian tech and media group to extend its storytelling footprint beyond national borders. The production cues leverage regional talent, local partners, and access to diverse filming environments, illustrating a shifting pattern in the global cinema landscape toward cross-cultural collaboration. Although the tale centers on a Russian protagonist, the Dubai shoot highlights a real-world appetite for international cooperation, powered by world-class facilities and a growing ecosystem for film tourism. The undertaking positions Yandex as a player in the global narrative economy where technology, media, and location-based storytelling converge to reach audiences in North America and beyond.
Details emerged about how the lead actor faced a sandstorm on set, according to reports citing an on-set source. The story underscores the challenging conditions that accompany desert shoots in the region and the careful planning that goes into balancing realism with safety on location.
During a close-up on a raised platform, the actor stood before strong fans as a stream of sand from a dedicated machine swept across his face for an extended moment. The effect simulated a desert storm and tested both the performers and the crew. Desert sequences in Dubai are not unusual, yet the team aimed for heightened realism, capturing the textures and light that define the arid environment. The effort contributed to a sense of immersion that aligns with the film’s mood, while reminding viewers that production realities can rival on-screen spectacle. Source: KP.ru.
Back in the character’s arc, Igor Sokolovsky’s return to the narrative saw the actor attempting many stunt moments without relying on professional stunt personnel. Reports describe a preference for real-time execution to enhance authenticity, even if that approach raises questions about safety and risk. The choice reflects a broader trend in contemporary cinema where actors push limits to convey genuine emotion and physicality, inviting conversations about training, workflows, and protective protocols on set. Source: KP.ru.
The project’s director, Egor Chichkanov, is known for his work on the series Easy Rink and Hello Again!, as well as the film Yolki 11. His leadership links a track record of managing ensemble casts, dynamic location shoots, and fast-paced storytelling, which seems well suited to a film that travels from a Russian setting to an international desert backdrop.
In the series’ ongoing arc, Igor Sokolovsky resides in Sochi with his daughter Sonya, portrayed by the actress Vitaliya Kornienko. The duo’s dynamic weaves warmth with resilience as the plot accelerates when a trusted friend heads to Dubai to seek quick riches, drawing Sokolovsky into an international scam. The Dubai setting adds a grounded, real-world context for themes of ambition, risk, and moral compromise as the characters face shifting loyalties and consequences under pressure.
The Dubai Film and TV Commission has voiced satisfaction with the collaboration, describing it as a productive cooperation that benefits both the local industry and the Russian production. The arrangement underscores Dubai’s role as a growing hub for international shoots, where cross-border teamwork helps bring bold stories to audiences worldwide.
Officials emphasized that participation and close cooperation with Dubai’s infrastructure enhance the ability to support major international shoots and pave the way for a long-term partnership with the Russian market. The effort is framed as more than a single project; it aims to streamline future productions, attract additional international crews, and open opportunities for local services and talent development across the region.
Earlier reports indicated another project about Pyotr Mamonov would be shot at the same Dubai locations used for The Island and The Tsar, illustrating a shared strategy of using the city as a hub for multiple Russian productions. The approach underscores Dubai’s growing appeal as a global filming venue where stories from Russia meet audiences around the world.