Best places to take pictures in Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s combination of old and new, quaint and modern, city and desert is a must-see Middle East experience for all travel addicts. This desert oasis of palm trees and skyscrapers is home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and a multitude of luxury hotels. Situated along the Persian Gulf just north of the capital, Abu Dhabi, Dubai is filled with many beautiful places to add to your sightseeing list. Our Dubai Flytographers in the United Arab Emirates have let us in on their favourite photo spots around Dubai.

1. Dubai Desert

Flytographer Akemi says, “Nothing beats the desert in my opinion! The vast dunes are so inviting for wide shots in particular and the texture of an untouched dune is just magical. It’s often windy out here and that combined with the perfect light, gives the images a lot of life. Family shoots are particularly beautiful as the kids can run around and you get a lot of movement shots.” 

The Instagrammable sand dunes of the Dubai Desert offer many photo opportunities. One of our best tips is to book a tour by camel for your photoshoot for a stunning desert shot.

Asian couple hugging each other and laughing on a couples trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates
One person sitting on a camel with the other holding the camel's reigns in the Dubai desert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A couple walking in the Dubai desert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Photo: Lidiya in Dubai for Flytographer. Stephanie and their partner capture memories in Dubai Desert with a couple photoshoot.

2. Public Beaches

“Similar to the desert, the public beaches here offer beautiful opportunities for wide shots. Again, the wind and light lets you play around with movement and still shots. One beach in particular has a wonderful natural curve in the bay and the option of having the Burj Al Arab in the faint distance. This beach also has some rocks and a fishing pier/jetty which allows for some variety.” – Flytographer Akemi

A couple walking in the Dubai desert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A couple walking in the Dubai desert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A couple walking in the Dubai desert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Photo: Akemi in Dubai for Flytographer. Juliana and their family celebrate their marriage anniversary in Dubai at the Palm Jumeirah.

3. Old Dubai

“This area is a must-see for all visitors to Dubai, I think, as it offers a more authentic picture of the traditional Dubai. The Bastakia Quarter in Bur Dubai has been declared a heritage site. Many of the restored buildings feature the typical wind towers and in addition to the mosque, there is the Centre of Cultural Understanding, some courtyard cafés and lots of narrow alleyways to roam around. The nearby Spice and Textile Souks are very popular with visitors as well. Taking an abra (local wooden taxi boat) over to the Gold Souk area or simply along the creek is a peaceful break and offers a different perspective.” – Flytographer Akemi

Couple holding hands and walking down alleyway in Old Dubai, Dubai United Arab Emirates
Couple holding hands and walking down alleyway in Old Dubai, Dubai United Arab Emirates
Couple holding hands and walking down alleyway in Old Dubai, Dubai United Arab Emirates

Photo: Lidiya in Dubai for Flytographer. Jackie and their partner capture memories together in Dubai with a couple photoshoot.

Couple holding hands and walking down alleyway in Old Dubai, Dubai United Arab Emirates

4. Dubai CityWalk

Flytographer Akemi says that this new route in downtown Dubai is a modern self-contained shopping and dining area that is more of a community rather than the Dubai mall. “There are a lot of open spaces, fountains, street art, textured walls and colourful façades for great photos. It’s supposed to be more of a European town centre and is very popular with the local residents. A great place for a fun and colourful shoot with iconic skyscrapers in the background.”

Couple hugging and standing on rocks near water with the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah skyscraper in the background in Dubai
Couple holding hands and walking along boardwalk on a couples trip in Dubai
Couple standing together on a boardwalk with Jumeirah Beach Hotel in the background in Dubai

Photo: Flytographer in Dubai. Fiona and their partner capture memories in Dubai with a couples photoshoot.

5. Dubai Creek Harbour

“Another new spot is the Dubai Creek Harbour promenade, which offers one of the best skyline views of Burj Khalifa and downtown. It’s not a huge place and is quite a distance away, as it is on the other side of the creek, but because of the entertainment options (music, retail, food trucks) and the stunning view, it is a very happening place.” – Flytographer Akemi

6. Jumeirah Beach Walk

Social media saw it first – this beach walk has views of the Palm Jumeirah and the iconic Atlantis 5-Star Hotel! Flytographer Akemi says, “This boardwalk near the Dubai Marina is a lovely location offering various backdrops (the ocean, cafés and restaurants, water fountains, residential high rises and hotels, cute food trucks, stylish beach cafés, etc). Very popular with locals and tourists alike.”

Don’t be surprised if you see a few giant yachts floating by as well!

Couple standing together on a boardwalk with Jumeirah Beach Hotel in the background in Dubai
Couple standing together on a boardwalk with Jumeirah Beach Hotel in the background in Dubai
Couple standing together on a boardwalk with Jumeirah Beach Hotel in the background in Dubai

Photo: Lidiya in Dubai for Flytographer. Rani and their family capture memories in Dubai with a family photoshoot at Jumeirah Beach.

7. Dubai Miracle Garden

For a truly stunning display of the intersection of humans and nature, visit Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural flower garden. The expansive garden sprawls over 72,000 square meters. In addition to the over 45 million flowers planted there, over 15,000 butterflies reside in the butterfly garden.

Couple hugging and kissing in the Dubai Miracle Garden
Couple hugging and kissing in the Dubai Miracle Garden
Couple hugging and kissing in the Dubai Miracle Garden

Photo: Gabriela in Dubai for Flytographer. Kevin proposes to their partner at the Dubai Miracle Garden during a surprise proposal photoshoot.

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8. Kite Beach

The aptly-named Kite Beach is a popular spot for kitesurfing, but even if you’re not there for sports, the beach’s pristine white sand and gorgeous views of Burj Al Arab make it a popular spot. Families especially will appreciate the play areas along the beach.

9. Al Fahidi Historical District

The Al Fahidi Historical District (Bastakiya) is home to the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort and the Dubai Museum. It’s the perfect location for history buffs to walk among heritage architecture and see centuries of history uncovered by diving expeditions. Find many photography locations in this area among the winding streets.  

Couple walking together and holding hands in the desert sands of Al Qudra Lake
Couple walking together and holding hands in the desert sands of Al Qudra Lake
Couple walking together and holding hands in the desert sands of Al Qudra Lake

Photo: Gabriela in Dubai for Flytographer. Saira and their friend capture memories together in Dubai with a friends photoshoot.

10. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Dubai is known for its progressive architecture and affluent lifestyle, but a jaunt outside the city centre will bring you to a completely different landscape. The Dubai Desert Conservation Project is protected land honouring the biodiversity of the desert, and here you can safari via camel, commune with the once-endangered Arabian Oryx, or off-road into the dunes to have dinner at a Bedouin camp.

Couple holding hands and walking down pathway together surrounded by palm trees at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Couple holding hands and walking down pathway together surrounded by palm trees at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Couple holding hands and walking down pathway together surrounded by palm trees at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Photo: Akemi in Dubai for Flytographer. Jayne and their partner celebrate their honeymoon together in Dubai with a couples photoshoot.

Capturing memories in Dubai

Can’t decide which spot to take photos in when you visit Dubai? Don’t worry – our local Dubai photographers will help you decide which photography spots are best for you. Capture your memories in Dubai with a Flytographer photoshoot!