2024 Top 17 Instagrammable Photography Spots in Dubai. Practical Tips as a Bonus.
Dubai is a city that's known for its glitz, glamour, and luxurious lifestyle. It's a place where photographers from all over the world come to capture the extravagance and grandeur of the city. One of the best ways to showcase Dubai is through Instagram, and there are many visually stunning instagrammable spots that are perfect backdrops for those unforgettable shots.
As a photographer looking to build your Instagram presence, there is no shortage of photogenic locations to take in. From the dazzling Dubai Marina skyline to the iconic Burj Khalifa and beyond, the city offers countless vistas. The creative photographer will find unique perspectives and angles at every turn. Whether shooting the lively souks, serene desert dunes or pulsing nightlife, Dubai rewards those seeking to unveil its essence through the photographer's lens. For influencers and content creators alike, the alluring oasis city beckons.
Burj Khalifa
No Dubai photography adventure is complete without tackling the iconic Burj Khalifa. Soaring 828 meters above the city, this architectural marvel offers multiple observation decks, each providing unique angles and perspectives for your Instagram masterpiece. Ascend to the "At the Top, Burj Khalifa" on the 124th floor and capture breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape stretched out like a glittering carpet. For a closer look, venture to the 148th floor and lose yourself in the dizzying infinity pool illusion at "At the Top, SKY."
Feeling truly adventurous? Conquer the world's highest outdoor observation deck on the 163rd floor, soaking in unobstructed 360-degree vistas that will leave your followers speechless. Remember, timing is key! Aim for golden hour when the city bathes in warm hues, or capture the dazzling nighttime spectacle of its illuminated facade against the starlit sky. No matter your vantage point, the Burj Khalifa promises an unforgettable Instagram moment.
Tip: be sure to arrive before sunset to get perfect golden hour light.
The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is a sprawling wonderland with over 1,200 stores, from high-end fashion brands to traditional souks. Its cascading waterfall and towering palm trees make for a truly unique shopping experience.
Camel Uschi Desert Farm
A conventional method for investigating the Dubai desert! Your encounters in Dubai, Uschi’s Camel Farm is one of generally essential - and perhaps of the most adoring and moral animal experiences you will have ever had. It is best to have to most aesthetic pictures ever. The camel shot is still the most trendy search icon when it comes to Instagram photography.
Abra
Riding across Dubai Creek on an abra is one of the quickest and most helpful ways of getting around the city. Abras are little boats or water taxis that run at regular intervals across Dubai Creek, and each ride, as a rule, requires close to five minutes. You can get a pictures in a random candid pose, it will definitely an Instagram worth photo.
Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island that's shaped like a palm tree. It's one of Dubai's most iconic landmarks and is a popular spot for Instagram photos. Take a shot from the air in a helicopter or from the shore, capturing the stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Tip: charter a seaplane for aerial views or pose on the sandy beaches with the fronds in the background. Stay until sunset to capture the Palm glowing at night.
Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is the world's largest flower garden, and it's a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and photography. The garden is home to over 45 million flowers and features stunning floral arrangements and designs, making it a perfect spot for your Instagram photos.
Tip: don't miss the life-sized Emirates A380 model made from thousands of flowers.
Gold & Spices Souks
Look no farther than the gold and flavor souks if you're searching for a touristy action while you're here. From Al Fahidi, bounce on a boat taxi to the overlap and zest markets. It's not difficult to get mixed up in a lot of stuff here if you don't accept it. The gold market is the ideal spot to purchase knickknacks and presents to get back with. You'll find everything from Arabian-style garments and shoes to embellishments.
Tip: chat with friendly shopkeepers for a taste before you photograph their prized saffron, peppercorns, and cinnamon.
Al Bastakiya Historical Neighborhood
Al Bastakiya is a town situated along Dubai Creek known for being perhaps of the most established neighborhood in Dubai. Back in 1690, Al Bastakiya was made of only 60 lodging units, mostly claimed by rich Iranian vendors who visited the country.
Later, many of these towns were disguised for new development and remade in the customary style. Today, the town fills in as a sign of Old Dubai. Old homes were worked of limestone, coral, and mud, so redesigns are being finished to ensure a portion of the noteworthy structures are safeguarded.
Tip: visit in the morning for ideal soft lighting through breezy alleyways.
Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium is a famous fascination situated in the Dubai Mall. Home for 30,000 oceanic creatures, including a 40-year-old crocodile! The best part is that you can see every one of the creatures for nothing through the world's biggest acrylic board. If you're hoping to get very close to the creatures, buy a pass to stroll through the passage.
Al Seef Street
Found right on Dubai Creek, Al Seef is a well-known region to visit for shopping, feasting, and diversion. You'll find everything from nearby artisans to current design marks. There's likewise a square that has a wide range of live exercises, so make a point to check the schedule before you go.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
For those who love history and culture, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is the perfect spot for Instagram photos. The neighbourhood is one of the oldest in Dubai and is home to traditional houses and narrow alleys. Capture the beauty of the old-world charm and stunning architecture that this neighbourhood offers.
Tips: (1) Wander the labyrinth of narrow lanes and capture this cultural gem before modernization transforms the area forever. (2) Respect local customs by dressing conservatively.
Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina is a bustling area with tall buildings and luxury yachts, making it the perfect spot for your Instagram photos. Take a shot from the shore, capturing the stunning views of the skyscrapers and yachts, or hop on a boat for a unique perspective.
Tip: time your visit for the blue hour after sunset when the city lights illuminate.
Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is the largest choreographed fountain system in the world and is located in the Burj Khalifa Lake. The fountain puts on a spectacular show every evening, and it's the perfect spot for your Instagram photos. Capture the water dancing to music and the stunning lights illuminating the area.
Tips: (1) Experiment with slow shutter speeds to artistically capture the motion of the fountains at night. (2) Arrive early to secure a good spot.
Desert Sand Dunes
You can't go to the desert without encountering the sand rise! We've traveled across rises in Morocco and Oman, as well as Dubai, and I never move past so gorgeous and naturally attractive they are. Desert sand hill experiences are perhaps the most famous movement to do while in Dubai.
Sand dunes are iconic symbols of the desert and Dubai has some of the most photogenic in the world. Riding a camel along the ridges and curves of sand creates an unforgettable experience. Stopping at the peak of a dune as the sun sets over the desert is a magical moment to capture. Views from the top highlight the ripples and textures of the sandy landscape set against the backdrop of a colorful dusk sky. For thrill-seekers, racing down the steep slopes of sand on a sandboard is another must-do desert activity. Gliding down the golden dunes with sand kicking up behind you makes for epic action shots and videos. No matter how you choose to embrace it, the desert scenery of Dubai is simply picture-perfect.
Tip: try different vantage points - atop a camel or sandboarding down steep slopes.
Dubai Frame
This impressive giant picture frame offers the ultimate #Dubai photo. Position yourself in the middle of the frame for an eye-catching perspective with iconic Dubai skyscrapers in the background.
Tip: Tip: for extra creativity, play with reflections in the mirrored glass.
Burj Al Arab
Dubai's iconic luxury hotel is arguably the world's most Instagrammed hotel.
Tip: Get up close to the striking sail-shaped exterior from the public beach, or splurge on afternoon tea inside for unique views of the stunning atrium. No trip to Dubai is complete without a photo here!
Sheikh Zayed Road
Famed for its sparkling skyscrapers, Sheikh Zayed Road offers endless inspiration for architecture lovers. Play with reflections, patterns, and leading lines for an artistic cityscape photo.
Tip: visit at blue hour as twilight paints vibrant hues in the sky behind glass towers.
Practical Photography Tips for Stunning Dubai Snaps
Golden Hour Magic. Embrace the warm glow of sunrise or sunset (roughly an hour before and after) for captivating photos across most locations. This time bathes the city in soft, flattering light, ideal for architectural details, vibrant landscapes, and even portraiture. For example, capture the Burj Khalifa's golden facade at sunset or paint the Palm Jumeirah with fiery hues at sunrise.
Nighttime Sparkle. Dubai transforms into a glittering wonderland after dark. Pack a tripod for long exposure shots of the illuminated skyline, bustling fountains, and vibrant souks. The Dubai Fountain boasts captivating shows every 30 minutes, offering unique opportunities to play with light and movement.
Permission Pointers. While most public spaces welcome photography, be mindful of restricted areas and private property. Always seek permission before photographing individuals, especially in traditional areas. Certain government buildings and military installations strictly forbid photography, so respect signage and local customs.
Lens Love. Pack a versatile lens kit! A wide-angle lens captures expansive cityscapes and grand interiors, while a telephoto lens zooms in on architectural details and distant subjects. Don't forget a portrait lens for capturing people and the vibrant local culture.
Smartphone Savvy. Even smartphones can capture stunning Dubai moments. Utilize HDR mode for high-contrast scenes, portrait mode for blurred backgrounds, and panorama mode for sweeping vistas. Download editing apps to enhance your photos on the go.
Remember, these are just starting points. Experiment, explore, and most importantly, have fun capturing the unique essence of Dubai through your lens!