They needed sand for “The Force Awakens”, lots of sand, so why not go to the biggest desert in the world in the Arabian Peninsula? Rub’ al Khali desert is the largest sand desert in the world and is used as planet Jakku (and the actors say it was HOT HOT HOT!). Luxury resorts are nearby in case you would like to visit this desert (and this is also where the crew stayed).

Fun fact: while filming, codename AVCO was used (much like “Blue Harvest” was used for “Jedi”). Avco is the name of the theater where JJ saw “Star Wars”.