The production of Sex and the City 2 involved a significant international journey, moving far beyond the iconic streets of New York City to capture the lavish and exotic backdrops that define the film. While the first movie largely stayed within the familiar boroughs of Manhattan, the sequel required a more expansive set of locations to realize its vision of a lavish, globe-trotting celebration of friendship and excess. The question of where was Sex and the City 2 shot opens a door to a world of opulence, from the glittering skylines of the Middle East to the historic architecture of the East.
The Primary Filming Hub: Abu Dhabi
The overwhelming majority of the film’s opulent sequences were shot in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, the production utilized the state-of-the-art facilities of the Etihad Towers and the opulent Emirates Palace hotel. These locations provided the perfect blend of modern luxury and grandeur needed for the movie’s most extravagant scenes, allowing the cast to embody the high life in a way that New York sets could not replicate.
Iconic Locations within Abu Dhabi
The iconic scene featuring the Burj Khalifa was filmed with the help of the actual skyscraper in Dubai, though sequences set within the tower were constructed on soundstages in Abu Dhabi.
The sprawling courtyards and golden arches of the Emirates Palace hotel served as the backdrop for lavish parties and intimate conversations.
The production team transformed the parking garage of the Etihad Towers into a high-fashion runway, showcasing the extravagant costumes central to the film’s identity.
Expanding the World: Morocco and New York
While Abu Dhabi provided the luxurious center stage, the production also ventured to Morocco to capture the mystique of the desert. The scene involving a high-stakes shopping trip and subsequent desert adventure was filmed in the stunning landscapes near Marrakech. This provided a stark contrast to the glittering cityscapes, adding a rugged and authentic texture to the narrative.
The New York Foundation
Despite the international locations, the soul of the film remains rooted in New York. Establishing shots and specific scenes required the cast to return to the city that started it all. Locations such as the iconic bakery where the group first gathered and the streets of the West Village were revisited to maintain the connection to the original series, ensuring that the sequel felt like a natural extension of the characters’ lives.
The Technical and logistical Challenge
Shooting in multiple continents presented a massive logistical puzzle for the production crew. Coordinating cast travel, managing customs for wardrobe pieces, and ensuring consistent lighting across different environments required meticulous planning. The goal was to make the transition between locations feel seamless, so audiences could fully immerse themselves in the fantasy without being distracted by the mechanics of the shoot.
Capturing the Essence of the Sequel
The locations were not just backdrops; they were active participants in the storytelling. The shift from the familiar to the exotic directly reflected the characters' journey into a world of increased wealth and heightened expectations. By filming in such distinct environments, the filmmakers were able to visually represent the escalation of the characters' lives, moving from the comfortably stylish New York to the outrageously luxurious global stage.
Legacy of the Filming Locations
Today, the success of Sex and the City 2 has left a lasting mark on its filming destinations, particularly Abu Dhabi, which has become synonymous with luxury travel. The film showcased these locations to a global audience, highlighting their capability to host major Hollywood productions. This synergy between cinema and tourism demonstrates the power of film to transform a location into a desired destination, long after the credits roll.
