In a newly released teaser for ‘Genie, Make a Wish’, Netflix’s much-anticipated fantasy romantic comedy featuring Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, Dubai has emerged as an emphatic co-star, far more than a backdrop. The teaser opens with the genie called “Satan” wandering the heritage-styled streets of Al Seef before it soars over the futuristic curves of the Museum of the Future. The surreal sequence culminates with sweeping aerial shots of Sheikh Zayed Road—one of the most important streets in Dubai—showcasing the city’s illuminated skyscrapers and towers alongside the bustling 14-lane highway. The visual firmly implants Dubai at the heart of the new Netflix drama.
Filmed in February 2024, parts of ‘Genie, Make a Wish’ were shot in Dubai, bringing together the city’s cutting-edge skyline and its traditional riverside architecture. Far from being a mere, passive backdrop, Dubai comes to the forefront to play a vivid supporting role, amplifying the fantastical elements of the story with its futuristic infrastructure while emphasising its global appeal at the same time. For a series steeped in magic and wonder, Dubai’s dramatic contrasts—ancient souqs against futuristic skylines—could not be a more fitting stage.
Written by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, the series reunites Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy for the first time since their 2016 drama ‘Uncontrollably Fond’. The storyline follows Jinn, a flamboyant genie who awakens after a thousand years, and Ka-young, a stoic woman tied to a rigid routine. When she accidentally frees him and is granted three wishes, their unlikely bond sets in motion a tale of chaos, humour, and heartfelt discovery. The premise combines classic fantasy tropes with modern romance, ensuring broad appeal for global audiences.
The teaser offers audiences a mini-tour of some of Dubai’s most striking landmarks.
Al Seef: With its traditional souq-inspired architecture and waterfront charm, Al Seef provides a culturally rich backdrop where the genie first appears, anchoring the story in a space that bridges past and present.
Museum of the Future: This architectural icon, with its gleaming torus shape and futuristic design, adds dramatic flair to the teaser, perfectly complementing the series’ fantastical themes.
Sheikh Zayed Road: Dubai’s main thoroughfare, alive with traffic and lined with illuminated skyscrapers, delivers one of the teaser’s most spectacular shots, reinforcing the city’s global image as a hub of dynamism.
Madinat Jumeirah: Additional stills released show glimpses of this luxurious resort complex, which recreates traditional Arabian aesthetics along the shoreline, further diversifying the visual palette of the show.
Netflix has announced that ‘Genie, Make a Wish’ will premiere worldwide on October 3, 2025, with episodes releasing weekly on Fridays. The timing aligns with Korea’s Chuseok holiday period, ensuring a wide domestic and international audience eager for festive viewing.
The teaser serves as a visual tour of Dubai's architectural and cultural diversity for tourists. The show emphasises the city's capacity to combine modernity with heritage, from shining skyscrapers to classic souq-style streets. It is a must-watch for anyone thinking about travelling to Dubai because it not only offers gripping storytelling but also piques interest in the places highlighted.
(With inputs from various sources.)
