My Photography & Travel Guide to Dubai, UAE
Updated December 2025
Dubai feels like it was designed with photographers in mind. Glass towers shimmer in the heat, neighborhoods mix old and new in the same breath, and the desert waits just beyond the skyline with warm light that makes every frame look cinematic. You can spend the morning wandering spice-scented souks, spend the afternoon shooting futuristic architecture, and end the day on a rooftop watching the city glow like it is plugged into its own private sunrise.
This is the City of Gold, a place that rewards curiosity and never stops surprising you. It is bold, polished, and full of contrast, which makes it perfect for anyone who loves to explore with a camera in hand.
If you are thinking about planning a trip, you are in the right place. Let’s dive in and get you ready to capture Dubai at its best.
Downtown Dubai
What Makes Dubai Special
Dubai stands out because the city pairs imagination with tradition in a way that feels almost unreal. One moment, you are looking up at the Burj Khalifa, a tower that seems to touch its own reflection in the sky. Next, you are walking through the quiet lanes of Al Fahidi, where wind towers, sand-colored walls, and soft afternoon light help you slow down and notice the small details.
For photographers, this contrast is a gift. The desert glows at sunrise, the skyline lights up at night, and the markets burst with color and movement. Every neighborhood offers a different mood, which means you never run out of subjects to shoot.
It also happens to be one of the safest cities in the world, so you can explore with confidence.
Travelers love Dubai for its warmth, its food, and the way it balances adventure with comfort. It is a city that invites you to experience it fully and enjoy every moment along the way.
When To Go?
Plan on spending five to seven days in Dubai, so you have enough time to explore the city and head out into the desert.
The best months to visit are November through February. Temperatures sit in the low 60s to high 70s, the light is softer, and visibility is at its best. February usually offers the ideal balance of comfort and clear skies, which gives photographers excellent shooting conditions.
I strongly recommend avoiding early May through the end of September. The heat is intense during these months. Daily highs will be over 100 degrees, sometimes reaching 110+, making time outdoors difficult. You will enjoy the city much more if you plan your trip during the cooler season.
Fog in Dubai
One of the most surreal sights in Dubai is the winter fog. It usually appears in January and February when cooler nights meet rising humidity. These conditions create thick fog at dawn that wraps around the skyscrapers, making the city look like it is floating.
If you are lucky enough to catch it, you can create some of the most atmospheric photos of your trip. The key is to be up early and ready before sunrise because the fog lifts quickly once the sun warms the city.
Getting Around
Dubai’s public transport is reliable, and the Metro is a fast and affordable way to move along the main corridor of the city. Taxis are easy to find, and ride sharing services like Uber and Careem work very well.
That said, Dubai is extremely spread out. If you want the flexibility to explore different neighborhoods, reach photo spots at sunrise, or drive out to the desert, you will need a car. Renting one is simple, and the roads are well marked and easy to navigate.
A car gives you the freedom to see more of the city on your own schedule, which is especially helpful for photographers.
Where to Stay in Dubai?
For the best experience, stay in Downtown Dubai. It puts you close to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the fountains, and many of the city’s top photo spots. You can walk to plenty of places, and it is easy to reach the Metro or jump in a taxi.
Most hotels in Dubai are excellent. They are modern, comfortable, and known for strong service, so your choice will come down to budget and location. If you want easy access to the city’s main attractions, stay near the Burj Khalifa or in the DIFC, which is one of the nicest areas in Dubai and gives you quick access to both Downtown and the airport.
Top Luxury Picks
• Waldorf Astoria DIFC, stylish rooms, great food, and a perfect location.
• Kempinski Downtown Dubai, attached to The Dubai Mall, is ideal for convenience.
• St. Regis The Palm, elegant and calm, with quick access to The Palm.
• Atlantis The Royal, a destination in itself with incredible design and views.
• Grosvenor House, a Marina favorite with excellent service.
Recommended Mid-Level Hotels
These offer comfort, strong service, and great value without the luxury price tag.
• Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, spacious rooms, great facilities, and easy access to Downtown.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Business Bay, modern, friendly, and within minutes of the Burj Khalifa.
• Rove Downtown, clean, affordable, and directly across from The Dubai Mall.
• Millennium Place Marina, a great option if you want to be near the Marina and JBR.
• Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, reliable, central, and close to the Metro.
I suggest staying in the Burj Khalifeh area because it has 100s of restaurants within walking distance. It is also connected to the Dubai Mall, which is an experience. The nightly fountain show at the Burj Khalifeh is also a must-see in Dubai.
The Burj Khalifeh Light Show
The 2 other hotels I would recommend for Photography are the Shangri-La Hotel and the Four Points Sheraton. The Shangri-La has a viewing platform on the 42nd floor that allows you to capture incredible images of the Skyscrapers. The Four Points Sheraton has a bar on the 43rd floor with the perfect angle to take a photo down Sheikh Zayed Road.
From the Four Points Sheraton 43rd Floor Bar
Our Favorite Places to Eat...
Dubai is one of the world's finest food cities. You can eat anything here, from quick street snacks to Michelin-starred tasting menus, and every neighborhood offers something different.
What makes dining in Dubai so fun is the range. You can try flavors from every corner of the world at almost any price point. I always find myself going back to the Lebanese, Indian, and South African spots because the food is packed with flavor and the portions are generous. It is easy to have a fantastic meal every single day.
Our Favorite Everyday Recommendations
Tasha's-a South African chain with locations all over the City. We probably ate there once a week. The food is fresh and delicious with great service.
Comptoir 102- this is more of a healthy cafe with lots of Vegan options. There is also a fun concept store attached. It is a perfect place to also have a coffee and get some work done.
Scarlet Patisserie and German Bakery located on Blue Water Island -this is a 100% legit German Bakery. It is the perfect place for breakfast and one of the best bakeries in Dubai.
The Maine - this is a Canadian seafood restaurant that is one of the most beautifully decorated restaurants in Dubai. Fantastic seafood and service.
Myocum - another healthy food cafe that is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Tom & Serg - we absolutely love this place. Fantastic food and service. We probably visited at least once a week. Pro-Tip the Fish Tacos and Basque Cheesecake are amazing.
The Bagel Yard - the best Bagel in Dubai. The bagels are made fresh every day.
Sushi Art --with locations all over the city, this is a good Sushi restaurant
Krave -- just good all around food, especially burgers
Ladurée Dubai - the iconic French Cafe is always a good option and is conveniently located in all the Malls
Allo Beirut - very good Lebanese food with fantastic service
Arabica Cafe- just fantastic coffee with locations all over Dubai
Al Reef Bakery - the best Lebanese Bakery in Dubai--it feels like you are in Lebanon
3Fils - a wonderful fish restaurant located in the Dubai Fishing Harbor
Mama'eesh - traditional manaesh flatbreads--a wonderful spot for breakfast.
Geales and Indya by Vineet in the Royal Meridien Beach Resort in JBR
Bkry - this place is simply fantastic. One of the places for breakfast in Dubai. Highly recommended.
Some Higher-End Special Occasion Restaurants
Il Borro in the Naseem Hotel --one of the best Italian Restaurants in Dubai
Avli -also my the Tasha Group, but this one has beautiful Greek dishes
Zuma is probably my favorite sushi restaurant in the world, and you cannot miss it. The location in Dubai is better than London, where it started
Hutong - fabulous decor and food--my favorite Chinese restaurant in the City
Bull & Bear - an all-around good choice for burgers, steaks
Em Sherif - our favorite Lebanese Restaurant in Dubai with fantastic service
Sushi99 - fantastic sushi with views of the Burj Al Khalifeh. I might like it even better than Zuma.
GAL - a Turkish/Mediterranean fusion with fantastic views in downtown
Bebabel - excellent Lebanese food with a fantastic view of the Dubai Fountain
Pierchic - an Italian restaurant set on the end of a pier. The views and food are outstanding. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Dubai.
The Bay - in the Mandarin Oriental is my favorite restaurant in Dubai--great good, relaxing, wonderful service. Just perfect
Ruya a new restaurant we discovered in 2023. It is the best Turkish food I have ever eaten. The location is also stunning.
Nobu in the Atlantis - the iconic Nobu in the Palm is excellent; the decor, views, and food are fantastic.
Al Muntaha - this is a special occasion restaurant. It is located on the 54th floor of the Burj Al Arab.
Bar Des Prés - by reknown Chef Cyril Lignac. We have tried getting reservations in the London and Paris locations, but it was always difficult. So we were very happy to try the Dubai location. The restaurant combines French and Japanese cuisine and it is just outstanding food and incredible views.
Photography Gear & Advice
Permits and Photography Rules
The first thing to know about Dubai is that drones are not allowed. If you bring one, airport security will confiscate it, so leave your drone at home.
The second thing to understand is that many places require a photo permit. Areas like DIFC, which give you great views of the Burj Khalifa, will not allow professional-looking photography without permission. The good news is that permits are easy to get. Most locations have an online form, such as the DIFC Photo Request Form, and approval usually comes quickly.
It is also essential to respect local rules. Do not photograph residents without permission, and avoid photographing police stations, military sites, or government buildings.
Gear to Bring
Dubai is a fun city to shoot, especially in winter, and you do not need much gear to get great results. A single camera body, such as a Canon EOS R5, R6, or a Nikon Z7 or Z8, is more than enough.
Bring two lenses:
A wide lens, like a 15-35 mm or 14-35 mm, helps you capture the scale of skyscrapers.
A medium telephoto, such as a 70-200 mm, for compression, skyline details, and desert shots.
You could also bring a Canon RF 24-240 and a 16 mm prime.
Because the city looks beautiful at night, pack a tripod so you can take long exposures, reflections, and clean skyline images.
Photography is at its best during the winter months when the light is softer and the air is clearer.
Best Photo Locations in Dubai
Dubai gives you a mix of futuristic skylines, desert landscapes, and beautiful old neighborhoods. Here are the top places to photograph, along with simple tips for when to go and what to expect.
1) Burj-Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai's most recognizable landmarks. It is often referred to as a seven-star hotel, and its sail-shaped design stands out from every angle. Photographing it from the beach can be tricky because most of the shoreline near the hotel is private, and public access is expensive.
One of the best free spots to get a clean, unobstructed shot is from the boardwalk in front of the Waldorf Astoria on Palm Jumeirah. It provides a clear view of the Burj Al Arab across the water and is wide enough to set up a tripod. Sunset and blue hour both work well here because the hotel lights up beautifully once the sky darkens.
Sunrise
I also love photographing the Burj Al Arab at night. From the restaurant Pier Chic, you can capture a unique view of the Burj Al Arab.
The Interiors are also very interesting to photograph, but you cannot just walk in. You either need to stay there or have a restaurant reservation.
2) The Grand Mosque in the DIFC
The Grand Mosque in DIFC is one of the most beautiful modern mosques in Dubai. You will find it on Gate Avenue, tucked between the sleek towers of the district. The design is clean and contemporary, with soft lighting that makes the building glow as the sun goes down.
It is especially photogenic at sunset when the warm light hits the white exterior and the geometric patterns start to stand out. Take a slow walk around the mosque because each side offers a slightly different composition.
3) The Pointe on The Palm Jumeirah
From The Pointe, you get one of the best views of Atlantis, The Palm. It is the perfect spot to photograph the hotel sitting at the end of the island, especially around sunset when the sky has color and the lights start to glow.
In the evening, there is also a fountain show, usually starting around 7 p.m., which adds movement and reflections to your photos. Arrive a bit early so you can find a good spot along the waterfront and set up your shot.
4) Tolerance Bridge on the Dubai Canal
Tolerance Bridge sits along the Dubai Canal and is only a short walk from the main promenade. The bridge has a graceful arch that photographs well from either side, especially when the water is calm. It is an easy stop to add to your canal walk, and it works well at sunset or in the early evening when the lights come on.
There is another bridge, called the Pedestrian Bridge, that is just 3 more minutes down the sidewalk towards the building. The Pedestrian Bridge provides a great shot of the Dubai skyline.
5. The Twisted Bridge
The Twisted Bridge is best photographed during the day when the light creates strong shadows along the interior. The curves and lines of the structure make great abstract compositions, and the midday sun helps define those shapes clearly. It is a quick stop, but a fun one if you enjoy architectural details.
6) Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is one of the best places to capture the city’s skyline. The area features a long promenade with numerous open viewpoints, so you can try different angles as the light changes. The creek creates wide reflections that add depth to your photos and help balance the tall buildings in the distance.
This is a sunset location. Arrive early, walk the promenade, and choose a spot where the water is calm enough to catch the colors of the sky. It is a simple setup, but the results can be beautiful.
7) The Eye on The Blue Water Island
Bluewaters Island is home to Ain Dubai, the giant observation wheel often compared to the London Eye. It sits just off JBR, which gives you plenty of places to photograph it from the beach.
The best shots come from JBR’s sandy stretch, where you can frame the wheel with the water and skyline. If you are lucky, you may even find camels walking along the beach, which adds a fun and unexpected foreground element to your photos.
Sunset works especially well here, and the wheel lights up nicely once the sky turns blue.
There is even a Casino on the Island, which I did not expect.
8) The View on Palm Jumeirah Island
To reach The View, you will need to buy tickets, which you can purchase online or at Nakheel Mall. Parking is simple, and a dedicated elevator takes you straight to the 52nd floor. As expected, sunset tickets cost more, but the light is worth it if you want dramatic photos.
From the top, you get a full 360 degree view of the Palm, including its fronds and the curve of the outer crescent. It is one of the few places where you can truly understand the scale of the island.
You will be shooting through glass, but the panels are treated in a way that helps cut reflections. If you want even cleaner shots, bring a small cloth or position your lens close to the glass.
9) The Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina is one of the best places to photograph the city at sunset. The light catches the towers beautifully, and the reflections in the water help anchor your compositions. It is a great spot, whether you are using a DSLR or a smartphone.
One of my favorite places to shoot is near Nando’s Café, where you get a wide view of the water framed by the skyline. The pedestrian bridges across the Marina also offer excellent vantage points, especially if you want symmetry or long-exposure shots of the boats moving through the channel.
Arrive a little before sunset so you have time to find the angle you like. Sunset offers a stunning view of Dubai's incredible architecture. I found the best place to take photos is next to Nando's Cafe. But the bridges over the Marina also offer an excellent view.
It is worth walking around the area to find different views of the Dubai Marina.
10) Ras al Khor Flamingo Hideaway
Yes, there is a flamingo sanctuary right in the middle of Dubai, and it is absolutely worth a visit. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is home to large flocks of flamingos, especially in the winter months, and it feels worlds away from the city, even though the skyline sits in the background.
The reserve has a photo blind that gives you a clear, comfortable vantage point without disturbing the birds. It is a great place to practice wildlife photography, and the contrast between the pink flamingos and the modern city makes for striking images.
Go in the morning when the light is soft, and the birds are most active.
With a longer lens, you can take nice, detailed shots of the Flamingos.
11) Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the most recognizable landmark in Dubai and still the tallest building in the world. It rises above Downtown with a sleek tapering design that looks good from almost any angle. Because it sits next to The Dubai Mall and the fountains, it is one of the easiest places in the city to photograph.
For the best results, shoot it at sunset or blue hour when the building lights up and the water reflects the colors of the sky. You can frame it wide from the Dubai Mall promenade or move farther back toward the boulevard to create more dramatic compositions.
It is 828 meters in height and forms the heart of the downtown. There is a nightly fountain show that is well worth visiting.
12) The Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is one of the most striking buildings in Dubai. Opened in 2021, it has a smooth oval shape with Arabic calligraphy cut into the exterior, which glows beautifully at night. The design is bold and futuristic, and it photographs well from almost every angle.
For photographers, this is a must see location. The building’s curves catch light in interesting ways, and the calligraphy creates patterns that work for both wide shots and close abstract details. It is easy to spend a full hour here simply walking around and finding new compositions.
I love the entrance of the museum
Museum Entrance
From the Emirates Hotel you can get a reflection of the Museum of the Future
13) Graffiti in Dubai
Yes, Dubai has graffiti, and some of it is surprisingly good. You will find several colorful murals along Jumeirah Road near the Burj Al Arab. The artwork is bright, creative, and a fun contrast to the polished architecture the city is known for. It is a great stop if you enjoy street photography.
You can also visit the Banksy exhibit in the Mall of the Emirates, the same mall that has the indoor ski slope. It is a curated gallery rather than outdoor street art, but it is worth a visit if you enjoy bold, graphic visuals.
14. Meydan Bridge
Meydan Bridge feels like it was designed for photographers. Its smooth blue curves create a perfect wave pattern that looks incredible in photos, especially when the lights switch on at dusk. Sunset is the best time to shoot here because the sky holds color while the bridge begins to glow, giving you a great balance of light.
You can photograph it from the front for a clean, centered composition, or move to either side to play with the repeating lines. It is a simple location, but the results are always impressive.
15. Business Bay Architecture
Business Bay has one of Dubai's most photogenic skylines. The area is packed with modern towers, reflective glass, and bold architectural shapes that look great at sunrise and even better during blue hour when the lights come on.
One highlight is the Zaha Hadid-designed Opus Building, a striking structure with a hollowed center that appears completely different from different angles. It is one of Dubai's most creative architectural pieces and an excellent spot for both wide shots and tight, abstract frames.
The mix of skyscrapers, waterways, and bridges provides ample vantage points, and reflections on the canal add depth to your photos. This is also one of the best areas to photograph the winter fog if you are lucky enough to see it.
16. The Love Lakes
Sitting on the edge of the Al Qudra desert, the Love Lakes are two heart shaped lakes carved into the sand. It is a quiet spot that feels far removed from the pace of the city, and the wide open space makes it a fun place to photograph at sunrise or sunset.
The lakes are surrounded by sand, small patches of greenery, and long walking paths that give you different angles on the heart shapes. From above, the design is striking, but even from the ground you can create simple, clean compositions with the curves of the shoreline and the warm desert light.
It is a peaceful place for a walk or a picnic, and you may see birds and small desert wildlife around the water, especially early in the morning.
17. The Architecture of DIFC
DIFC is located in the center of Dubai and features some of the city's most notable architecture. For photographers, this area is a dream. The buildings are sharp, geometric, and full of clean lines that look great from almost any angle.
The Gate Building is the star, with its bold frame and perfect symmetry. Walk a few minutes in any direction, and you will find more subjects, including the sleek Index Tower and several modern buildings that create strong leading lines for your compositions.
If you walk to the end of the Gate, you will have a great view of the Burj Khalifeh.
18. Deira (Old Dubai)
I highly recommend visiting Deira Old Dubai. Meander through narrow alleyways lined with traditional souks offering exotic spices, intricate textiles, and glittering gold. The aroma of freshly brewed Arabic coffee mingles with the sounds of merchants haggling in the vibrant streets.
19. From the Address Hotel Bar on the 63rd Floor
From the Bar on the 63rd Floor of the new Kempinski Hotel Downtown. It is attached to the Dubai Mall.
20. The Shangri-La Hotel
The Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai has a deck on the 42nd floor with an amazing view. You have to stay in the hotel, or you can pay a fee to access the Viewing Deck.
From the 42nd Floor
21. The Four Points Sheraton 43rd Floor Bar
There is a bar on the 43rd Floor with an amazing view of Sheikh Zayed Road.
From the Bar on the 43RD Floor at Sunset
22. The Fountain at the Palace Hotel
A fountain in front of the Palace Hotel provides a wonderful reflection of the Burj Khalifeh in the evening.
A Trip Outside of Dubai to the Desert Conservation Area
It is definitely worth the trip to the Desert Conservation area outside of Dubai. It is only about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the center of Dubai, but you feel that you have driven for hours and hours since the scenery is so completely different.
We stayed at the Al Maha Resort, which has been on my Bucket List for years. Yes, it is expensive, but all meals are included. The food is also really generous and delicious. If you want to relax, this is the place for you. It is so peaceful and quiet. Each bungalow includes a small dipping pool. The surroundings are stunning, and there is a lot of wildlife to see. I highly recommend a trip to Al-Maha, which means the Oryx in Arabic.
A Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
It only takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Abu Dhabi. If you are going for the day, there are two things to see in Abu Dhabi. The first is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is probably the most famous location. The second is the beautiful Louvre Abu Dhabi. Yes, the Louvre from Paris has opened in Abu Dhabi. The UAE and France formed a partnership for cultural exchange, and the highlight of this was the establishment of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.
Dubai is a photographer’s dream with its mix of modern marvels and traditional charm. Whether you’re capturing the gleaming skyscrapers or the serene desert, this city will leave you inspired.
I hope you have enjoyed this Travel & Photography Guide to Dubai. If you enjoyed this guide, I have many more guides at this link.
