All the Dubai Locations Where 'Genie, Make a Wish Was Filmed'
Netflix’s newest fantasy K-drama Genie, Make a Wish just dropped, and let’s just say—it’s everyone’s new obsession. The series follows a thousand-year-old genie who wakes up in the modern world and meets Ka-young, a woman who feels nothing (emotionally, that is). What starts as three simple wishes quickly turns into a rollercoaster of magic, drama, and unexpected romance.
The Star-Studded Cast
Kim Woo-bin brings his charm (and smirk) as Iblis, the genie trying to make sense of humans again. Bae Suzy plays Ki Ka-young, the emotionally detached human who might just teach him what love feels like. The cast also includes Ahn Eun-jin, Noh Sang-hyun, Go Kyung-pyo, and Lee Joo-young, each adding layers to the show’s mysterious and heart-tugging world.
Dubai’s Magic Touch
A big chunk of the series was filmed in Dubai, and honestly, the locations look insane. The city’s mix of ancient charm and futuristic skyline fits the show’s theme perfectly—old-world mysticism meets modern-day chaos.
The drama also sprinkles in touches of Arabic culture—like Iblis greeting people by rubbing noses, a nod to traditional Emirati customs. So yes, expect cultural crossover moments that make the fantasy feel even more vivid.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
1. Old Dubai
Old Dubai serves as a key setting where another genie, Jinniya (played by Song Hye Kyo), lives inside a lamp hidden in a souk. She’s Iblis’s ex (because of course she is), and Ka-young and Iblis travel there several times to uncover secrets from his past.
2. Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab helipad sets the scene for the duo’s iconic first kiss. Ka-young, curious about why humans find kissing so meaningful, tries it—only to feel nothing. Until Iblis takes over, that is. (Yes, the spark finally happens here—literally and emotionally.)
3. Dubai Desert
The Dubai Desert flashes back to where young Ka-young met Iblis 900 years ago while being trafficked from Goryeo through Ancient Dubai. She finds his lamp buried in the sand, makes her fateful wishes, and—spoiler alert—it doesn’t end well. Fast forward to modern times, she’s reincarnated and unknowingly finds him again during a desert tour. Full circle moment? Absolutely.
4. Dubai Marina
This picturesque spot isn’t just for Instagram. It’s where Iblis’s legendary sword—used in the epic genie-angel war—is displayed as a tourist attraction. Fans have already started spotting lookalike props in Marina installations.
5. Dubai Mall
And of course, the Dubai Mall gets a cameo. Ka-young’s grandma and best friend go on a wholesome shopping scene here while the main duo are busy with, well, existential genie problems.
The Takeaway
Between its dreamy cast, emotional chaos, and Dubai’s cinematic skyline, Genie, Make a Wish feels like the fantasy-romance escape everyone needs right now. And if you ever needed an excuse to book a trip to Dubai—consider this your sign.