PHOTO // UNITED ARAB EMIRATES6 locations

Best Photography Spots in Dubai

Dubai is glass, gold and desert — a blue-hour skyline city with an old town and dunes on either side.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Dubai — a city photo, not one of the spots below

Best light overall

Blue hour for the skyline and fountain; sunrise or sunset in the desert.

Dubai Fountain & Burj Khalifa

Downtown

The world's tallest tower above the fountain show.

Best light: Blue hour, timed to a fountain show, for lit tower and water.
Tip: Shows run every 30 minutes in the evening; the Burj Park side is less crowded.

Dubai Marina

Marina

A canyon of skyscrapers around the water.

Best light: Blue hour, from the Marina Walk or a bridge.
Tip: Long exposures smooth the water and catch light trails from boats.

Al Fahidi / Bastakiya

Bur Dubai

Restored wind-tower houses and narrow sand-colored lanes.

Best light: Morning, for soft light in the alleys.
Tip: Combine with a wooden abra crossing over Dubai Creek.

Dubai Frame

Zabeel

The giant golden picture frame between old and new city.

Best light: Morning, with the modern skyline through the frame.
Tip: Low angle from the park makes the frame tower over you.

The Desert (Al Qudra / Lahbab)

Outskirts

Rolling dunes and long shadows.

Best light: Sunrise or sunset for raking light and clean sand ripples.
Tip: Go with a driver or tour; walk out for footprint-free dunes.

Palm Jumeirah / The View

Palm Jumeirah

The palm-shaped island from above.

Best light: Daytime, for the clearest read of the palm fronds.
Tip: The View at the Palm observation deck gives the aerial shape.

A note on access

Opening hours, ticketing and access change, and some viewpoints sit on private or ticketed property. Check before you go, respect closures and residents, and never trespass or block traffic for a shot.