Abu Dhabi to host regional premiere of star-studded ‘F1® The Movie’

F1® The Movie, the highly anticipated summer blockbuster from Apple Original Films starring Brad Pitt, is set to premiere in Abu Dhabi on 25 June 2025.

The regional premiere marks a “full circle” moment, as the cast and crew return to the UAE capital where key scenes of the film were shot.

The event coincides with the movie’s official Middle East release on 26 June.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the feature is distributed globally and in IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film was produced in partnership with the Creative Media Authority and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, with local production support from Epic Films.

Filming wrapped at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2024, with a total of 29 production days across locations including Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios. The project engaged 284 local crew members and 15 interns, providing valuable hands-on experience and contributing to the local creative economy. The production also benefitted from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s rebate scheme.

F1® The Movie is produced by Kosinski under his Monolith Pictures banner, along with Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman (Jerry Bruckheimer Films), Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner (Plan B Entertainment), and seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton (Dawn Apollo Films). The screenplay was written by Ehren Kruger (Top Gun: Maverick), based on a story by Kosinski and Kruger. The film was developed in collaboration with Formula 1®, including Formula 1 Management, the FIA, and all 10 racing teams.

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, said:
“We are looking forward to welcoming back the cast and crew for a fourth F1-related occasion. Not only in terms of duration, but also in economic impact, F1® The Movie has significantly contributed to Abu Dhabi’s creative ecosystem. Hosting the regional premiere as part of the global tour is a fitting way to celebrate our collaboration with Apple Original Films.”

F1® The Movie is one of over 180 major productions supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since the introduction of its rebate program in 2013.