TV show filming locations 2025: top 5 holiday destinations to visit

Have you ever watched a show and thought, “I want to be there!”? Welcome to the world of set-jetting—a thrilling trend where travel meets television, letting you step directly into the captivating worlds of your favorite TV shows and movies. Imagine wandering through the very streets, beaches, and deserts that made those stories come to life. In 2025, why not trade the couch for a plane ticket and make your cinematic dreams a reality? From shimmering tropical islands to ancient cities, let’s explore the top travel destinations in Asia and the Middle East that offer unforgettable adventures and the chance to live out your favorite scenes. Here are some of the best TV show filming locations 2025 has in store.

1. The Maldives – Where Romance and Luxury Converge

When you think of paradise, think Maldives—a place where crystal-clear lagoons meet lavish overwater villas. It’s the perfect setting for romantic getaways and cinematic magic. This tropical haven has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, from Bollywood hits to K-dramas, thanks to its unparalleled beauty. Remember the Hallmark movie “Love in the Maldives”? The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, with its mesmerizing underwater restaurant, starred in that story.

And for the Star Wars fans, parts of Laamu Atoll, including Gan and Baresdhoo Islands, stood in for the distant planet Scarif in Rogue One: A Wars Story. Whether you crave romance or an adventure in nature, the Maldives invites you to experience its cinematic wonder firsthand.

Set-Jetter Tip: Want to live the movie magic? Stay at one of the iconic Maldives resorts featured in your favorite films. Or, go all out with a private island-hopping tour to uncover hidden filming gems.

2. Seoul, South Korea – The Heart of K-Dramas

Seoul is a city that feels like it’s pulled straight from the screen, especially for fans of addictive K-dramas. From Squid Game to Crash Landing on You, Seoul is where drama, love, and thrill converge in stunning backdrops. Iconic shows like Goblin and Extraordinary Attorney Woo have made this vibrant city a must-visit for anyone captivated by the world of K-dramas. As you walk the bustling streets and quiet parks, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a scene from your favorite K-drama.

The neon lights of Seoul and its blend of modern and traditional elements create the perfect stage for unforgettable stories. Don’t miss Seongapdo Island, rumored to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Squid Game sequel!

Set-Jetter Tip: Dive deeper into the world of K-dramas with a guided K-drama tour, exploring the filming locations that made these shows famous. Perhaps you’ll even discover some hidden gems along the way.

3. Dubai, UAE – A Playground of Luxury and Futuristic Thrills

Looking for a destination that’s equal parts luxury and adventure? Dubai delivers it all. This dazzling city, with its towering skyscrapers and glittering lights, serves as the backdrop for everything from reality shows like Dubai Bling to action-packed blockbusters like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Known for its futuristic skyline and dramatic desert landscapes, Dubai offers a setting that’s as dynamic as the stories it hosts.

Movie buffs will recognize the city’s ethereal beauty from Star Trek Beyond and Dune, where Dubai’s skyline and sprawling desert created a truly otherworldly feel. It’s the perfect place for fans of sci-fi and grand cinematic spectacle.

Set-Jetter Tip: Go beyond the glitz and glam with a VIP city tour. This will blend Dubai’s ultra-modern wonders with its hidden historic gems—giving you the full picture of this captivating metropolis.

4. Istanbul, Turkey – Where History and Mystery Meet

The allure of Istanbul lies in its ability to transport you to another time and place. The city, with its rich Ottoman history and breathtaking architecture, has served as the perfect backdrop for historical dramas like Diriliş: Ertuğrul, where the streets and palaces come alive with centuries of stories. With its global fan base, this Turkish period drama has sparked a deep fascination with Istanbul’s majestic landmarks like the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia.

And it’s not just period dramas—spy thrillers and fantasy adventures, such as Netflix series: The Protector, have also made excellent use of the city’s Grand Bazaar for high-stakes, nail-biting scenes. Istanbul’s seamless blend of old-world charm and modern energy ensures there’s something for everyone.

Set-Jetter Tip: Enhance your journey through time with a historical drama tour guided by a local expert. You’ll be able to bring Ottoman-era locations to life in a way you’ll never forget.

5. Wadi Rum, Jordan – A Sci-Fi Dream Come True

For those seeking the thrill of a desert adventure, Wadi Rum in Jordan offers a destination like no other. With its stunning red sands and towering rock formations, this surreal landscape has featured in iconic sci-fi films like Dune and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The red desert landscapes of Wadi Rum have even doubled as the majestic setting for Aladdin. The dramatic scenery makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another world—a real-life “Mars on Earth”.

For adventure travelers, the sweeping dunes and rugged terrain are a playground of epic proportions. It’s the ultimate destination for those wanting to experience the thrill of sci-fi landscapes firsthand.

Set-Jetter Tip: Book a night under the stars in a desert bubble tent to experience this cinematic desert in all its glory—creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Set-Jetter Tips to Maximize Your Adventure

As you plan your set-jetting adventures, follow these expert tips to make the most of your journey:

Plan Ahead: Research filming locations before you go. Time your visit to catch each destination in its best light—both literally and figuratively.
Respect Local Cultures: Every location has its own customs and traditions. Embrace the local culture and interact with the destination in a meaningful way.
Capture the Magic: Take a guided filming tour to uncover behind-the-scenes stories. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the locations that brought your favorite shows to life.

Make Your Set-Jetting Dreams a Reality

Set-jetting means more than just visiting filming locations—it’s about stepping into the worlds of your favorite TV shows and movies and creating your own adventures along the way. From the romantic allure of the Maldives to the high-tech wonders of Dubai, these destinations offer more than just stunning visuals—they offer the chance to live the stories that captured your heart.

So, make 2025 the year you turn your screen fantasies into real-life memories. The world of set-jetting awaits—so what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on your next adventure!

Feature image: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Dubai plans to redefine the travel experience for millions and reshape its geography by retiring one of its most iconic institutions: Dubai International Airport (DXB). Once a symbol of the city’s meteoric rise, DXB now nears closure as Dubai shifts its aviation ambitions to a colossal new home, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

For decades, DXB has played a central role in global air travel, processing over 90 million passengers annually and serving as the beating heart of international connections between East and West. However, the airport’s legacy as the world’s busiest international hub approaches its final chapter. Why? Because Dubai envisions a future defined by space, scale, and a bold new concept of travel and urban life.

Why Close the World’s Busiest International Airport?

The answer lies 45 kilometers south in the desert sands of Dubai South, where Dubai is building a new mega-airport. Al Maktoum International, already partially operational, will become the world’s largest airport. When completed, it will feature five runways, 400 aircraft gates, and the capacity to handle 260 million passengers each year.

Unlike DXB, which dense neighborhoods in Garhoud and Al Qusais confine, DWC gives Dubai room to grow. In contrast, the new site offers scalability and flexibility. The project doesn’t just expand the city’s capacity—it reimagines it. Sleek architecture, cutting-edge technology, and integrated logistics with nearby Jebel Ali Port will ultimately deliver a smoother, more efficient experience for travelers and cargo alike.

Dubai isn’t just chasing numbers; rather, it’s planning for longevity. DXB, built in 1960, continues to age. Its infrastructure nears the end of its useful life. Keeping it operational would force the city to invest billions just to preserve the status quo. Dubai chooses a clean slate.

What Will Happen to the Land?

By closing DXB, Dubai unlocks a massive piece of prime real estate in its urban core. While officials haven’t announced exact redevelopment plans, they’ve opened the door to limitless possibilities. Think residential neighborhoods, parks, commercial centers—a brand-new district rising where runways once lay.

In fact, this transformation reflects the evolution seen in other global cities. Hong Kong, for instance, turned its former Kai Tak Airport into a thriving urban hub. Dubai plans to do the same—only on a larger scale.

When Is This Happening?

The shift won’t happen overnight. Dubai expects the transition to unfold over multiple decades. The first new terminal at Al Maktoum will open in 2032, and officials aim for full capacity between the late 2030s and the 2050s. Until then, DXB will keep serving passengers as Dubai phases in the move to DWC—starting with cargo and low-cost carriers, followed by flagship airlines like Emirates.

Travelers flying to and from Dubai will experience business as usual, for now. But the city has already set the change in motion, and soon, its skyline and story will look very different.

The Bigger Picture

Dubai has never hesitated to reinvent itself. It has transformed from sand dunes to skyscrapers, from a sleepy fishing village into a global metropolis. The closure of DXB doesn’t mark a loss; it signals a pivot. This moment reflects Dubai’s faith in the future, its bold planning, and its relentless drive to build bigger and better.

Unlike most cities, which adapt to their airports, Dubai is flipping the script. The city isn’t just designing an airport for tomorrow; it’s designing an entire city around it.

Feature Image via Arabian Business

Top 5 TV-Inspired Destinations to Visit in 2025