Dubai is a city that offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor photography. From its iconic skyline to its vast deserts, photographers can find endless inspiration in this vibrant city. Here are some of the best photography locations in Dubai
- Burj Khalifa
- Palm Jumairah
- The Dubai Marina and JBR Walk
- Dubai Creek
- Dubai Desert
- Dubai Mall
- Dubai Fountain
- The Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
- The Dubai Skyline from the rooftop of hotels such as the Burj Al Arab and the Four Seasons.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,722 feet) tall. It’s an iconic landmark of Dubai and a popular spot for photography. The building features a unique design, with a slender and pointed spire that tapers towards the top. It’s a great spot to capture the city’s skyline and the surrounding area, as well as for capturing the building’s unique architecture.
The building has an observation deck, called At The Top, located on the 124th floor. It offers an unparalleled view of the city and is a popular spot for photography. Visitors can also take a tour of the building, which includes access to the observation deck, and allows them to capture the city’s skyline from different angles.
The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, is also a popular spot for photography. The fountain’s water and light show, which takes place every evening, offers a great opportunity to capture the building’s reflection in the water, as well as the choreographed water and light displays.
It’s worth noting that the Burj Khalifa is a popular tourist destination, so it can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours, and it’s a good idea to plan ahead and avoid peak hours if possible.
Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree, located off the coast of Dubai. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a popular spot for photography. The palm-shaped island is home to several luxury resorts, hotels, and residential properties, as well as shopping and entertainment venues.
The Palm Jumeirah offers a variety of photography opportunities, from capturing the island’s unique shape and the luxury properties located on it, to capturing the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf in the background. The Island offers a great vantage point for capturing the sunset over the Arabian Gulf, and the lighting over the island during night time is an excellent opportunity for photography.
One of the most famous spots on the Palm Jumeirah is the Atlantis, The Palm, a luxury resort located at the top of the crescent of the island, which offers a great view of the island and the city. The resort’s iconic architecture and water park are a great spot for photography.
Additionally, visitors can take a boat tour around the Palm Jumeirah to capture the island’s unique shape and the city skyline from a different perspective, or take a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the island. It’s important to note that some areas of the Palm Jumeirah are private property and may require permission before taking photographs.
The Dubai Marina and JBR Walk
The Dubai Marina is a man-made canal city, which offers a picturesque waterfront location for photography. It’s a popular spot for capturing the city’s skyline and the luxury yachts moored in the marina. The area is also home to several high-rise residential and commercial buildings, which offer a unique urban landscape.
JBR Walk (Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk) is a 1.7 km long beachfront promenade located in the Dubai Marina, it is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular spot for street photography and capturing the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The walk also offers a great view of the Arabian Gulf and the Palm Jumeirah. The Walk is also famous for its street art, where visitors can take a nice picture with the art.
Additionally, the beach at JBR Walk is a great spot for sunset photography, as the sun sets directly over the water. Visitors can also capture the iconic view of the Dubai Eye Ferris wheel in the background.
Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is a historic area that offers a chance to capture the city’s rich history and culture. The area is home to many traditional markets, such as the Gold Souk, and offers a great opportunity for street photography. The area’s old buildings and traditional boats, called Abra, provide a unique backdrop for photographers looking to capture the city’s heritage.
Dubai Desert
The Dubai desert offers a chance for nature and adventure photography. The desert landscape, with its dunes and camels, provides a unique opportunity to capture the natural beauty of the region. Photographers can also capture the traditional Bedouin lifestyle, and the desert safari activities such as sandboarding and dune bashing.
Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, offers a chance for street and portrait photography. The mall’s modern architecture and luxury brands provide a unique backdrop for photographers looking to capture the city’s urban and modern beauty. The mall also features an indoor aquarium and an ice rink, which can be great for capturing unique shots.
Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is a spectacular water, music and light show that offers a chance for night photography. The fountain’s colorful lights and water jets provide a unique opportunity to capture the city’s vibrant nightlife.
The Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
The Dubai Museum is located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, which is the oldest part of the city. The museum is housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787 to defend the city from invasion. The fort has been converted into a museum and offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Dubai. Inside the museum, visitors can see traditional artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of Dubai, including its pearl diving and trading heritage, its Bedouin past, and its transformation into a modern metropolis. The museum also has a courtyard with traditional architectural elements and a replica of an old souk, which is a great spot for photography.
The Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, also known as Al Bastakiya, is a restored historic district located just south of the Creek. It’s famous for its traditional wind-tower houses, narrow winding streets, and historical buildings, like the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The neighborhood offers a unique contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Dubai and is a great spot for photography of traditional architecture and local life. Visitors can also take a traditional abra boat ride along the creek to capture the picturesque views of the neighborhood from the water.
The Dubai Skyline from the rooftop of hotels such as the Burj Al Arab and the Four Seasons.
The Dubai skyline is one of the most striking and recognizable in the world, and the rooftop of hotels such as the Burj Al Arab and the Four Seasons offer some of the best views of it. The Burj Al Arab is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and its rooftop is a great spot to capture the iconic architecture of the building itself, as well as the stunning views of the city and the Arabian Gulf. The hotel’s rooftop infinity pool and terrace are also popular spots for photography, offering a unique perspective on the city.
The Four Seasons hotel also offers a great view of the Dubai skyline from its rooftop infinity pool, terrace and restaurant. The view from the hotel gives the photographer a panoramic view of the city, and it is a great spot to capture the sunset or night time shots of the city.
Both hotels are also located in prime locations in the city and offer great views of other iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah. It’s important to note that Access to rooftop areas of hotels is usually restricted to guests and some might require permission before taking photographs.
In summary, Dubai is a city that offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor photography. From its iconic landmarks and modern architecture to its natural landscapes and traditional heritage, Dubai is a destination that should not be missed by any photography enthusiasts. These are just a few examples of the many great photography locations in Dubai, and there are many more waiting to be discovered.
