The first project under the China-India co-production agreement – Kung Fu Yoga, starring Jackie Chan – is shooting in Dubai from today (Sep 28).

Directed by Stanley Tong, the film is produced by Beijing Taihe Entertainment and Mumbai-based Viacom18 Motion Pictures.

The project marks first time that the well-travelled Chan has filmed in the Middle East. It will shoot in Dubai for 33 days, with filming to include several car chase sequences, tapping into the local talent pool and bringing in around 100 international crew.

UAE-based AlKatraz Productions is providing production services for the film.

Dubai is also playing host to Paramount’s Star Trek Beyond, directed by Justin Lin and starring Chris Pine and Simon Pegg.

Another big-budget Chinese action thriller, Jay Sun’s Switch, starring Andy Lau, filmed in Dubai in 2012.

“We are greatly looking forward to filming parts of Kung Fu Yoga in Dubai, and the locations we have selected perfectly complement the scenes we are shooting here,” said Tong.

“Dubai’s iconic skyscrapers and attractions are recognised around the world, and we are excited to work closely with Dubai Film and TV Commission to ensure an enjoyable and successful filming time in Dubai.”