<\/p>\n
Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone is the latest celebrity to star in a promotional campaign for Abu Dhabi. Padukone appears in a video shared on Monday alongside her husband, actor Ranveer Singh<\/a>, who has been a brand ambassador for Abu Dhabi since 2022. <\/p>\n In the clip posted by Visit Abu Dhabi and titled Mera Sukoon<\/i> or “my tranquility”, the famous couple can be seen exploring Louvre Abu Dhabi<\/a> and Sheikh Zayed Mosque<\/a>. Both stars also shared the video on their respective Instagram accounts. <\/p>\n “Travel is always more meaningful when it is with the people you love. Ranveer has explored and celebrated Abu Dhabi with so much passion over the last 3 years, and now I get to join him on this journey,” Padukone said. “I cannot wait to travel, explore, and experience everything this beautiful city has to offer \u2013 from its vibrant traditions to the warmth of being welcomed like family. Excited for what is ahead with Abu Dhabi.”<\/p>\n Padukone recently made history as the first Bollywood actress<\/a> to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond acting, she has represented luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton<\/a> and Cartier, and has been featured twice on the cover of Time <\/i>magazine as a \u201cGlobal Star\u201d and named among Time\u2019s <\/i>100 Most Influential People.<\/p>\n Padukone and Singh, two of the highest-paid actors in India, are not the only celebrities to star in a tourism campaign for the UAE. Here are other famous faces from Hollywood and Bollywood who have stood as brand ambassadors for the country.<\/p>\n Along with Padukone and Singh, Indian cricketer Kohli and Bollywood star Sharma are one of India’s most popular couples. The pair starred in a promotional video for Visit Dubai in July, 2025, appearing in a video filmed at the One&Only One Za’abeel. <\/p>\n In the clip, the pair dine on The Link, the world’s largest cantilever building, which stands at about 100 metres, and connects the hotel tower to the residential block. They are then seen at Tapasake atop The Link, next to the UAE’s longest infinity pool.<\/p>\n “From quaint bonfires to spontaneous moments by the beach, join Virat and I as we share highlights of our most memorable Dubai holiday,” Sharma shared on Instagram. “A destination we hold very close to our hearts, Dubai never ceases to surprise us and every trip has brought us some of our most cherished moments.”<\/p>\n In April, 2025, Millie Bobby Brown<\/a> and her husband, actor Jake Bongiovi, starred in Find Your Story, <\/i>a film that highlights the many experiences Dubai has to offer, even if visiting on a brief stay. It was written and co-directed by Armando Bo, the Argentine screenwriter known for winning the 2015 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Birdman<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n Find Your Story<\/i> begins at Dubai International<\/a> Airport, where Brown and Bongiovi stumble upon a movie script that spurs them on an adventure spanning Al Seef <\/a>district, the Museum of the Future<\/a> and Burj Khalifa<\/a>, as well as Al Qudra desert.<\/p>\n \u201cDubai is such a global city and it\u2019s different to any place that I\u2019ve ever been to,\u201d Brown said on the sidelines of the filming process. \u201cIt really does feel like many different places all in one city.\u201d During her visit to Burj Khalifa, she said: \u201cThis is going to be one of my core memories. This is unbelievable. I\u2019m looking at it, I\u2019m working under it\u2026 it\u2019s very cool.\u201d<\/p>\n Bongiovi, meanwhile, spoke of his awe for the desert. \u201cWe love Dubai and the desert is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Exploring the city was really special and we have created many unforgettable memories during our time here.\u201d<\/p>\n The campaign by Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing<\/a>, which is part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, was launched in 21 international markets across several platforms.<\/p>\n Bollywood stars Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol reunited for a Yas Island campaign called Zindagi Ko Yas Bol (which translates to say \u201cyas\u201d to life).<\/p>\n A play on Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara<\/i>, the 2011 hit blockbuster film in which the trio starred, the advertisement reunites the actors as they take part in a five-episode series that has them experience Yas Island\u2019s most famous attractions.<\/p>\n Much like in the film, the campaign will celebrate the friendship and camaraderie between the three as they challenge each other while embracing the spirit of Zindagi Ko Yas Bol by saying “yas” to every adventure.<\/p>\n The first video, posted in March, 2025, is around a minute long and takes place at WB Abu Dhabi. There are several references to the film, such as the usage of “my bwoy” and Roshan’s character answering a call with “moshi moshi” on a pink mobile phone.<\/p>\n Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth<\/a> was revealed brand ambassador for Abu Dhabi in November.<\/p>\n The Thor <\/i>star and his wife Elsa Pataky are shining the spotlight on the UAE capital as the ultimate destination for a family holiday. The duo have joined Experience Abu Dhabi to showcase the city as a culturally rich experience filled with outdoor adventures and tranquil escapes.<\/p>\n Promoting the destination globally across 27 markets, the new campaign shows the couple filming a stunt for a fake Hollywood film set on Al Maryah Island. During a break in the action, the pair fantasise about heading off on holiday to “somewhere warm, adventurous” with “fun activities for the kids”.<\/p>\n The advertisement goes on to show Hemsworth<\/a> and his family riding rollercoasters at Ferrari World<\/a>, kayaking around Louvre Abu Dhabi<\/a>, racing around Yas Marina Circuit, horseriding along a beach, visiting the National Aquarium, enjoying a massage at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort <\/a>and catching waves at Surf Abu Dhabi<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Need a break? We’ve got the perfect escape #inAbu Dhabi,” reads the caption under the Instagram post on Hemsworth’s page, which has 59 million followers.<\/p>\n The two-year deal between Abu Dhabi’s tourism department and the Hollywood couple means they will star in another campaign video to be released next year.<\/p>\n David Hasselhoff, best known for his role as lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in 1990s TV show Baywatch<\/i>, was the face of the Aquaventure’s<\/a> campaign last year. The actor has appeared in videos promoting Atlantis, The Palm<\/a>.<\/p>\n He is seen marshalling some of the water park\u2019s most famous rides, running some relatively unorthodox lifeguard drills along the beach \u2013 and getting caught in the canteen queue or at the dry cleaners.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we’ve grown and evolved over the years, we knew it was time to shake things up with an epic campaign that screams fun,\u201d said Karim Bidri, the marketing director at Atlantis, The Palm. \u201cWe wanted this campaign to transcend generations, so we upped the nostalgia by bringing in the Hoff<\/a> himself. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a 1990s icon?\u201d<\/p>\n In April 2024, the Deadpool <\/i>star was announced as Yas Island Abu Dhabi\u2019s chief island officer<\/a>, taking over the role from Jason Momoa, who took the position last year from comedian Kevin Hart.<\/p>\n Responsible for promoting the destination<\/a> to an international audience, Reynolds was revealed as the mystery skydiving celebrity who appeared in a new teaser campaign from the destination.<\/p>\n In the clip, Reynolds appears to skydive on to the Abu Dhabi island. “Welcome Ryan,” read lights on the W Abu Dhabi Hotel, the star’s intended landing spot. But in what seems to be classic Reynolds comedy, the actor misses the mark and lands on the Grand Prix circuit.<\/p>\n \u201cI’ve been an actor, a producer, a Welsh football club owner and I could go on. So I will,” says Reynolds.<\/p>\n The rest of his speech is drowned out by the roar of F1 cars as they zoom around Yas Marina Circuit, including a part where he says it’s his “mission to create the first-ever Yas Island … [inaudible]”, which is bound to leave viewers wondering what’s to come at the destination.<\/p>\n The former NBA star was in a summer campaign video for Experience Abu Dhabi last year to help promote Yas Island during the summer. In it, Shaq is singing along in Arabic to Miami Band\u2019s hit song AACHAW<\/i>, before directing people to visit the website for Yas Island.<\/p>\n \u201cMan, that song sure does stick. You know what else sticks for ever? A vacation on Yas Island,\u201d he says in the short clip before speaking in Arabic.<\/p>\n The American talk show host was in a campaign for DCT Abu Dhabi. Called Be Moved in a Thousand Ways<\/i>, the video is introduced and narrated by Winfrey and shares the message of the transformative power of culture to unite, inspire and open minds.<\/p>\n Other contributors to the campaign video include artists Mohamed Ibrahim, Najat Makki and Afra Al Dhaheri, actor Idris Elba, musician will.i.am and pianist Lang Lang.<\/p>\n The Academy Award-winning actress and philanthropist was an ambassador for Emirates Airline<\/a> in 2023.<\/p>\n In campaigns airing in English and in Cruz’s native Spanish, she was shown sampling luxuries that are exclusive to first and business-class passengers on Emirates, such as the A380 on-board lounge and the in-flight shower.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom one hotel room, to another,\u201d says the Vicky Cristina Barcelona<\/i><\/a> star as she settles into one of Emirates’ \u201cgame-changing\u201d first-class suites.<\/p>\n The campaign also showed Cruz settling in for a siesta on a lie-flat bed, wearing the Emirates’ \u201chydra-active moisturising pyjamas\u201d that are given to premium travellers.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to partner with Emirates after years of travelling with them on some of the most special trips in my life,\u201d said Cruz.<\/p>\n Cruz takes over the reins as Emirates’ newest ambassador from Gerry the Goose who also chose to \u201cfly better\u201d by ditching his migratory flock and travelling with the Dubai airline in 2022. The feathery star was voiced by British actor Michael Cronin doing his best Sir David Attenborough<\/a> imitation.<\/p>\n Alba and Efron <\/a>starred in several movie-like Dubai Tourism campaign<\/a> videos set in the city. The Dubai Presents <\/i>series includes A Brand New You<\/i>, in which a future version of Efron<\/a> time travels to the present to try to better himself, and A Romance to Remember<\/i>, which riffs off a rom-com meet cute.<\/p>\n The videos<\/a> have the Hollywood stars venture into the desert, touring around the souks in Deira, skydiving, enjoying abra trips, and dining at Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel. The pieces are all directed by Cruella<\/i>‘s Craig Gillespie.<\/p>\n Bollywood hero Khan’s Dubai Tourism<\/a> campaign was launched in 2016. The My Name Is Khan<\/i> star showcased the best of Dubai through the #BeMyGuest six-video series.<\/p>\n In the final video, the star receives a mysterious box. He follows a set of clues around the emirate, to solve a puzzle. He eventually does, and in the last scene walks around a beach before spotting Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow.<\/p>\n He sets the box down in front of her, as she asks: \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d He responds simply: \u201cBe my guest\u201d. Then he walks away.<\/p>\n Goop founder Paltrow<\/a> takes on the mantle from Khan in the A Story Takes Flight<\/i> film and campaign, which also stars Kate Hudson<\/a> and Zoe Saldana. <\/a><\/p>\n The actresses embark on three journeys of exploration through the emirate \u201cfilled with inspiration, discovery and human connections\u201d, according to Dubai Tourism.<\/p>\n In the film directed by Emmy winner Reed Morano, Paltrow explores the souks, tries her hand at watersports and dances in a nightclub. Hudson, meanwhile, is in Old Dubai, by the Creek at sunset and doing karaoke; while Saldana is in the desert with her children, exploring City Walk, checking out the Dubai Frame and motorbiking towards the Burj Khalifa.<\/p>\n In 2015, Australian actress Kidman <\/a>was introduced as the new face of Etihad Airways<\/a>.<\/p>\n She starred in a five-minute film for the brand, titled Reimagine<\/i>, that gave viewers a look at the airline’s Airbus A380 as she tours the aircraft on a flight between New York and Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n Of the campaign, Kidman said: \u201cThe film is a culmination of Etihad\u2019s vision to tell the airline\u2019s story in an extremely innovative way and a commitment to engaging with the public as has never been attempted by an airline before. It was a great challenge but one which has definitely paid off and it was great to be part of such an exciting project.\u201d<\/p>\n Friends<\/i> star Aniston starred in an Emirates <\/a>campaign in 2015<\/a>. In the advert, Aniston finds a child in her first-class cabin, then walking through the rest of the plane to find the boy’s parents in economy class.<\/p>\n In a second campaign, she plays a bewildered US airline passenger, wearing a bathrobe and clutching a loofah and a bag of toiletries, who asks the flight attendants where she can find the shower.<\/p>\n The attendants tell her there is no shower and no bar, and offer hot towels and some nuts. \u201cThis isn\u2019t an Emirates plane, ma\u2019am<\/a>,\u201d they say.<\/p>\n In the next scene, Aniston wakes up in her private suite in an Emirates first-class cabin, and realises the whole episode was a nightmare. The ad\u2019s slogan is: \u201cWake up to flying as it should be.\u201d<\/p>\n The popular former wrestler and actor was the star of an advert for Visit Abu Dhabi in October 2021, in which he takes a very last-minute detour to the UAE capital after reading about the city in a magazine, while sat in a private jet.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go to Abu Dhabi instead,\u201d Cena tells the pilot in the video. \u201cDrop me off!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSir, I have already flown past, I would have to change the flight path,\u201d the stressed captain replies.<\/p>\n Cena takes matters into his own hands and, wearing a parachute and goggles, he opens the jet\u2019s door and jumps out shouting, \u201cNow\u2019s the time, Mike.\u201d<\/p>\n Hart<\/a> was named as Yas Island\u2019s first chief island officer in 2022, with the US comedian promising to \u201cHart-ify\u201d the destination’s many attractions.<\/p>\n \u201cThere goes Yas Island\u2019s first chief island officer in a white Ferrari thinking he\u2019s a big deal,\u201d the star\u2019s voice said, as footage shows him zipping along the streets of Yas in the supercar. \u201cGuess what, this is a big deal.<\/p>\n \u201cThe world\u2019s most entertaining island hired me, Kevin Hart, to Hart-ify everything out here. We are going big on K-everything, because going big, that\u2019s my middle name. Actually, it\u2019s Darnell, but whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n The video also shows Hart enjoying several of the destination\u2019s attractions, including Warner Bros World<\/a>, Yas Waterpark, Ferrari World, Clymb Abu Dhabi and Yas Links golf course.<\/p>\nVirat Kohli and Anushka Sharma<\/b><\/h2>\n
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi<\/b><\/h2>\n
Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol<\/b><\/h2>\n
Chris Hemsworth<\/b><\/h2>\n
David Hasselhoff<\/b><\/h2>\n
Ryan Reynolds<\/b><\/h2>\n
Shaquille O\u2019Neal<\/b><\/h2>\n
Oprah Winfrey<\/b><\/h2>\n
Penelope Cruz<\/b><\/h2>\n
Jessica Alba and Zac Efron<\/b><\/h2>\n
Shah Rukh Khan<\/b><\/h2>\n
Gwyneth Paltrow<\/b><\/h2>\n
Nicole Kidman<\/b><\/h2>\n
Jennifer Aniston<\/b><\/h2>\n
John Cena<\/b><\/h2>\n
Kevin Hart<\/b><\/h2>\n
Jason Momoa<\/b><\/h2>\n