Western artists love a desert and a bustling city backdrop, and turns out, some of the most iconic music videos were actually filmed in the Middle East. From Dubai skyscrapers to Algerian street scenes, here are six major hits with over 100 million views that brought global attention to the region:
Imagine Dragons – Thunder (UAE)
2.2 billion views
When it comes to stealing the spotlight, Dubai doesn’t miss. This black-and-white visual takes you through the Design District, Dubai Marina, City Walk, and even flashes the Burj Khalifa. It’s clean, futuristic, and totally hypnotic.
Cardi B – Bodak Yellow (UAE)
1.1 billion views
Cardi shot this in the Dubai desert back in 2017 on just $15K. Think camels, golden sands, and the fiery energy that turned this song into a career-launching hit.
M.I.A. – Bad Girls (Morocco)
145 million views
Filmed in Ouarzazate, this visual was a bold shoutout to women’s right to drive. The drifting cars and desert styling became iconic. And it scooped up awards for both direction and cinematography.
DJ Snake – Disco Maghreb (Algeria)
185 million views
A full-on tribute to his Algerian roots, DJ Snake takes us through the streets of Oran and Algiers. From wedding scenes to camel races to Nike tracksuits, it’s a loud and proud slice of Middle Eastern culture.
Kanye West ft. Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz – Mercy (Qatar)
299 million views
Shot entirely in a Doha parking lot, this moody, black-and-white clip features luxury cars and serious rap energy. Minimal location, maximum impact.
The Blaze – Territory (Algeria)
132 million views
Less a music video, more a short film. This emotional piece tracks a man’s return home to Algiers and hits hard. Beautiful, raw, and impossible to forget.
From luxury cars in Qatar to dusty streets in Algeria, the Middle East keeps showing up as the unexpected MVP of global music videos. Whether it’s the raw emotion, iconic landscapes, or cultural energy, these visuals prove one thing: the region isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the story.
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