The United Arab Emirates is finally acknowledging it is standing in for one corner of George Lucas’ galaxy far, far away.

Abu Dhabi’s government-backed twofour54 media hub said on Wednesday that the next instalment of Star Wars is currently filming in the Middle Eastern emirate.

It was the first official word from the Gulf nation that filming had begun.

Emirati officials previously had refused to confirm or comment on filming.

Speculation has been high about the shoot since government-backed UAE daily newspaper The National reported last month on apparent preparations for the filming deep in the desert.

The paper later reported that the police and army had been deployed around the site to keep onlookers away.

Disney’s Star Wars: Episode VII film is being directed by J.J. Abrams.