The Middle Eastern film and television industry is striving to maintain normal operations as a widening regional conflict enters its second week following the February 28 killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Despite the tense geopolitical climate, production hubs across the Levant and the Gulf report that most filming schedules remain largely unchanged. However, industry insiders say international travel and logistics have become increasingly complicated due to security concerns and airspace restrictions.
Elsewhere in the region, major production centers say activities remain largely stable.
In Jordan, Olivewood Film Studios General Manager Jumana Sharbin said the country has long served as a reliable filming location during periods of regional instability. The studio, which hosted the filming of Dune: Part Two, is currently working on the Korean television series Kingdom of Women.
Saudi Arabia has also reported minimal disruption. Film AlUla said its operations remain unaffected, noting that its latest major project, Chasing Red, completed filming weeks before the latest escalation. Although a drone strike was reported near the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh on March 3, daily life in the capital continues, with cinemas and cafes operating on extended late-night Ramadan schedules.
In the United Arab Emirates, the film sector is also continuing its work. A spokesperson for Abu Dhabi-based Central Films said the industry remains organized and confident about the region’s overall security.
However, the biggest challenge for the industry is currently in the air. Aviation risk monitoring group Opsgroup reported on March 9 that several parts of Middle Eastern airspace remain closed following a series of missile and drone attacks.
Dubai International Airport briefly halted operations on March 7 after a nearby strike before limited flights resumed. Kuwait International Airport also reported an attack on fuel storage facilities over the weekend.
Amid the uncertainty, many international producers have temporarily paused travel to the region while assessing insurance and security risks, slowing the launch of new cross-border productions.
