Where Was Genie Make A Wish Shot? Dubai’s Landmarks Steal the Scene

Written by

Saikat Nandy

4 weeks ago

(

10/3/2025 6:42 PM

)

Korean

: 16

The new Netflix K-drama Genie, Make a Wish, starring Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, uses the striking landscapes and cityscapes of Dubai as a central part of its visual storytelling. The series, which began streaming on October 3, 2025, transforms the UAE city into a magical backdrop for its story of a genie and his reluctant master. The trailer quickly captured audience attention with its breathtaking shots of desert dunes and futuristic skylines, establishing Dubai as more than just a setting—it’s a key character in the fantasy romance.

Why Dubai Was the Perfect Choice

Genie, Make a Wish tells the story of a genie named Iblis, played by Kim Woo-bin, who awakens after a thousand years of confinement. He meets Ka-young, played by Bae Suzy, a woman with emotional struggles who becomes his new master and is granted three wishes. The narrative blends ancient myth with modern romance, requiring a setting that could visually represent the collision of different worlds.

Dubai emerged as the ideal filming location because it uniquely combines vast, timeless deserts with some of the world’s most advanced architecture. This contrast perfectly mirrors the show’s core theme of ancient magic meeting contemporary life. The production team filmed several scenes in Dubai in February 2024, using the city’s diverse locations to create a sense of wonder and fantasy.

The Key Dubai Landmarks You Can Spot

The teaser and series serve as a visual tour of Dubai’s most famous sites. Viewers can clearly see several iconic landmarks that give the drama its distinctive look.

One of the most prominent locations is the Museum of the Future. Its unique, circular design appears in the trailer, adding a strong sci-fi element to the genie’s story. The show also features sweeping aerial views of Sheikh Zayed Road, capturing the vibrant energy of the city’s main highway lined with glittering skyscrapers.

The drama also highlights Dubai’s cultural side. Scenes were shot in the Al Seef district, whose traditional souq-style architecture and waterfront paths provide a more historical feel. Additionally, the luxurious Madinat Jumeirah resort appears, with its classic Arabian design and waterways offering a rich visual backdrop for the characters’ journeys. The opening shots of the trailer feature the vast and beautiful desert dunes that surround the city, immediately setting a mythical tone.

A Deeper Look at the Drama’s Story and Cast

The series was created by writer Kim Eun-sook, who is known for other hit K-dramas like The Glory and Goblin. In this project, she presents a unique twist on the classic genie tale. The genie, Iblis, is not a typical wish-granter; he is making a bet to prove that humans are inherently selfish. Ka-young, his new master, is a complex woman who may be the first person to challenge his beliefs.

Kim Woo-bin describes his character as going through a significant change. He said he “tried to be faithful to the emotions in the moment” while playing a genie who starts off hating humans but may end up falling in love with one. Suzy, who plays Ka-young, commented on the central relationship, saying, “The Genie and Ka-young, even though they are so different, share that very similar [hidden belief of] wanting to love humans. Because of that commonality, I root for them.”

The supporting cast includes Ahn Eun-jin as the mysterious Mi-joo, Noh Sang-hyun as the genie’s brother and rival, Ko Kyu-pil as the genie’s loyal companion, and Lee Joo-young as Min-ji, Ka-young’s only friend.

Dubai’s Growing Role in International Productions

The city’s appearance in Genie, Make a Wish is part of a larger trend of Dubai being featured in international films and series. It has previously been a backdrop for Hollywood projects like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as other K-dramas. By featuring landmarks like the Museum of the Future and Al Seef so prominently, the K-drama not only uses Dubai as a setting but also actively promotes the city’s identity as a place where tradition and the future coexist. This strategic showcasing is likely to influence viewers’ travel interests and solidify Dubai’s status as a top-tier filming destination.