Farah Khan’s hotly anticipated film ‘Happy New Year’ has got a big boost on being received with open arms by the Dubai Government.

Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), in collaboration with Atlantis, The Palm are extending their full support for the smooth production of ‘Happy New Year’, starring screen legend Shah Rukh Khan. The filming of Red Chillies Entertainments Private Ltd.’s film, also starring Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan, and directed by Farah Khan, is already in full swing at Atlantis, The Palm.

DFTC has partnered with Dubai Government entities to simplify the entire filmmaking process for the production team, while Atlantis, The Palm is hosting a majority of the shoot in and around the resort’s iconic grounds. Emirates Airline has also played its role in flying the stars and crew to Dubai for the production while the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has provided extensive logistical support to facilitate the overall shoot. A press conference was held in Dubai to announce the association.

Talking on the occasion director Farah Khan said, "I wrote the script of Happy New Year with Dubai in mind. In fact in this film, Dubai is not just a location but an integral character! The entire climax is shot around New Year’s Eve at Atlantis, The Palm! To have been able to secure the location and have all the logistics in place is a perfect combination. The different locations of Dubai where we have shot are essential to the film and I want to thank the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the Dubai Mall and Dubai Airport in particular for being so helpful. I will always cherish this experience of shooting Happy New Year here in Dubai."

‘Happy New Year’ is the latest coup in a busy and successful year for Dubai’s burgeoning media production industry.

Speaking during filming in Dubai, Shah Rukh Khan, said: "Dubai is a beautiful city. It has a great scenic balance of ancient and modern architecture. It is not just the shopping capital of the Middle East, but is a perfect location for a film shoot. We have been shooting for our film, Happy New Year, here since September 2nd and I would like to thank Dubai Film and TV Commission, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Atlantis, The Palm and Emirates for being such gracious hosts to us. Dubai is like home for me and I have loved every bit of my experience of shooting for Happy New Year here."

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul, CEO, Strategy and Tourism Sector Development at DTCM, said: "As such we’re delighted that Happy New Year, one of the most anticipated Bollywood films, is being filmed in the iconic grounds of Atlantis, the Palm in Dubai."

Abhishek Bachchan, Actor, said: "It has been an utter delight to shoot in different locations of Dubai for Happy New Year. The people are very humble and sweet and the hospitality is remarkable. This film becomes even more special because of the awesome experience we have had as a team while shooting our film here in Dubai."

Deepika Padukone, Actor, added: Dubai has been a brilliant destination for holiday, relaxation and shopping. Dubai holds a special place for me because I came here for the music launch of my first film, Om Shanti Om. Since then, the connection and the love with the people has been stronger. And now I am experiencing a whole new Dubai during the shoot of Happy New Year. It is beautiful and very easy to shoot here. I have had a great experience shooting the film here.