Lesser-known photography spots in the UAE

UAE is known for its many picturesque locations. It stretches across a whopping 83,600 km² from the Persian Gulf and Arabian sea to its borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia. Once a barren desert land, this proud nation transformed itself into an oasis of beauty, luxury, and opulence.

UAE has all that your heart could desire. This amazing country is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world and monuments that reflect its historic architectural practices. It is also home to the world’s best art galleries, museums, cafes, and even Michelin star restaurants. Every location you visit in the UAE provides you with the opportunity to get clicked in front of some of the best backdrops you could ever imagine.

Here is a list of some of the lesser-known places where you could get clicked in the UAE.

Alserkal Avenue

Also known as the Art Centre of Dubai, this location was once an industrial compound in Al Quoz, Dubai. It has been renovated and transformed into the art and culture hotspot of the UAE. From amazing murals to contemporary art pieces, this location has everything for art and photography enthusiasts.

Al Bastakiya

For those who wish to capture a sliver of UAE’s rich history, Al Bastakiya is paradise on Earth. The construction of Al Bastakiya dates back to the early 1890s when pearl and textile merchants established it as a residential locality. Its strategic location near Dubai Creek provided them access to the best trade routes.

Today this district is preserved in time by meticulous conservation efforts from the government. One can explore this district and click amazing pictures any time of the day, free of cost.

Beehive tomb

The Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs was constructed around 5,000 years ago by early settlers in Al Ain to entomb their dead. This location is evidence to the fact that the early settlers had trade links with the Mesopotamian civilization. Set beside the towering 1,160 meters high Jebel Hafeet Mountain, this location is perfect for those who love to capture the region’s history and natural terrain in a single frame. Open 24 hours, this site can also provide an amazing location for clicking shots of the clear Arabian night skyline.

Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai has its fair share of amazing buildings that are architectural marvels of the modern world. One such marvel is the Dubai International Financial Centre. From one angle, this mammoth of a building may seem like a monolith. But as you move closer, you gain a clarity that its two buildings are connected by a bridge giving it a door frame-like shape. This location is symmetric in design, perfect for those who prefer symmetry in their shots. Although professional photoshoots will require you to get prior permission from the authorities, one can always use their smartphone to get the shots they desire.

Mangrove forests, Abu Dhabi

The Mangrove forests are an amazing spot for nature photography enthusiasts. This self-contained marshland is home to over 60 species of birds, and other fauna and flora. This saltwater mangrove park is located along the eastern coast and has channels for kayaking and other water sports and activities.

Head here with your camera and take beautiful shots of mother nature.

Al Madam, Sharjah

This ghost town located inland near Sharjah is also known as the “buried village” of UAE. This tiny hamlet was once inhabited by the Al Kutbi tribe but is now believed to be inhabited by Djinns (spirits). This town has been reclaimed by the desert and now remains half-buried in the sand.

Doesn’t matter if you are afraid of ghosts or love it, Al Madam, Sharjah is indisputably an amazing location for some aesthetic, pseudo-post-apocalyptic shots. This location is a must-visit for any photography enthusiast.

Parting Words

While the average tourist gets their pictures clicked by the well-known spots, you can be among the few that walk away from the beaten path and discover something new to capture with your lens. So, the next time you visit UAE, focus on being adventurous, and different.

Make your own path, and capture memories that are unique to you!