Top 14 photography spots in Dubai

Chic vibes comes to life at DRIFT Beach, a seafront destination that's ideal for chilled-out lounging. Enjoy a relaxed daytime ambience with great food and drinks at this stunning beach club. Then get ready to turn up the tempo as the sun sets, with glittering skyline backdrops to match.

Essential info

Opening hours: 9am to 8pm daily
How to get there: DRIFT Beach is located on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (D94), and is easiest to reach by driving or taking a taxi. The closest Dubai Metro station is Al Khail, just under 2km away
Prices: Access to the beach club starts at AED150 (Monday to Thursday) and AED200 (Friday to Sunday), which secures you a sun lounger, locker and other amenities
Where to book: Visit the venue's website or call +971 4 315 2200

Escape the city and spend an afternoon at Al Qudra Lakes in Al Marmoom Desert Reserve. About a 40-minute drive from the city centre, the lakes offer a great setting for afternoon barbecues and fantastic desert landscapes. With bicycle tracks, scenic views and more, it’s definitely an inspired spot for photographers.

Essential info

Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day
How to get there: Given the remote location of Al Qudra Lakes, it's best to take a taxi or drive from Dubai. Leave the city via Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) or Al Ain Road (E66), and look for signs for Al Qudra Road 
Prices: Entry is free, with no pre-booking or permits needed

A desert in bloom is rare, but not if you're in Dubai. Admire more than 50 million flowers arranged in unique exhibits, sculptures and pathways at the outdoor Dubai Miracle Garden. Open all through winter, visitors can explore the 72,000sqm garden to find the perfect backdrop, or make a beeline for the popular heart-shaped pathway and colourful canopies.

Essential info

Opening hours: 9am to 9pm (weekdays) and 9am to 11pm (weekends)
How to get there: Dubai Miracle Garden is located outside the city, and the best way to reach it is by car via Umm Suqeim Street (D63) or Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311)
Prices: Tickets cost AED95 (ages 13 and older), AED80 (ages three to 12) and kids under three enter free
Where to book: Tickets are available via Visit Dubai or call +971 4 422 8902

Enter a magical world at The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis, The Palm. Escape into secret tunnels and halls of themed walkways to spot colourful aquatic life around you. Take pictures with your favourite underwater friends as they glide past, or simply appreciate the oceanic beauty of this unforgettable setting.

Essential info

Opening hours: 10am to 9pm daily
How to get there: The best way to reach Atlantis, The Palm is by taking a taxi or driving. You can also take the Palm Monorail all the way up to the top of the manmade island's trunk, for a memorable experience with great elevated views
Prices: Tickets for adults start at AED135, while children's tickets start at AED95
Where to book: Tickets are available via Visit Dubai or you can call +971 4 426 1040

There's much to admire in the wild, untamed mountains of Hatta. Visit the centuries-old Hatta Heritage Village, with restored features including a historic tower and quaint stone houses. Wander inside to discover traditional furniture, crockery and more. Afterwards, don’t miss the chance to capture the striking green waters of the nearby Hatta Dam, shimmering in the sunlight.

Essential info

There are so many wonderful experiences to enjoy in Hatta, from adventures galore at Hatta Wadi Hub to natural delights at Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre and overnight stays at Hatta Dome Park. Find out more with our ultimate guide to Hatta, and discover our suggestions for the top activities you can enjoy while there.

This historic saltwater creek in the heart of the city is not to be missed. Dubai Creek offers a serene escape, both on and off the water. For those keen on a great photo opportunity, hop aboard a traditional wooden abra boat to glide along the relaxed waters, or simply stroll along the waterfront and explore the sights and sounds of old Dubai.

Essential info

Opening hours: You can visit Dubai Creek any time, day or night. Abra crossings begin at around 6am daily
How to get there: Dubai Creek covers a large area, with Deira on one side and Bur Dubai on the other. A section of Dubai Metro's Green line runs along the creek, but perhaps the easiest station to arrive at is BurJuman, which is centrally located and connects both the Green and Red lines
Prices: An abra journey costs just AED1 each way (or AED2 with air-conditioning). Make sure you bring cash
Where to book: For AED120 per hour, you can hire an abra for a private trip along the creek. Contact the RTA or go to an abra station at Dubai Creek

Walk across the glass bridge connecting the two towers that form Dubai Frame for impressive views of the city. You'll be rewarded with spectacular vistas of old and new Dubai on either side of the 150m-tall structure, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset too. Alternatively, head to Zabeel Park to take a selfie at the foot of the world’s largest picture frame.

Essential info

Opening hours: 9am to 9pm daily
How to get there: Zabeel Park can be reached easily by car from multiple directions in the city including Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). The nearest Dubai Metro stop is Max, located just under 3km away from Dubai Frame, and there is a bus stop just outside the park, with multiple bus routes available (see rta.ae for details)
Prices: Tickets cost AED50 for adults and AED20 for children aged three to 12. Kids under three and people of determination enter for free
Where to book: Tickets are available via Visit Dubai or you can call +971 800 900

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, views of the magnificent Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain never get old. Photographers can capture new angles from the lush open spaces of the neighbouring Burj Park island, which also hosts a pop-up community events all through the year. To find the perfect shot, it's worth scouting the area – we recommend hiring a bike to explore its awe-inspiring attractions.

Essential info

Opening hours: Burj Park is open 24/7
How to get there: Burj Park is located next to Al Mustaqbal Street in Downtown Dubai. The nearest Dubai Metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, which is a 10-minute walk away
Entrance cost: Entry is free and booking is not required

For an Insta-worthy post, explore Dubai Creek Harbour where beautiful buildings, restaurants and walkways create the perfect backdrop. A new waterside wonder in the city, stroll the bustling pathways at the modern creekside on one side or discover hidden gems inspired by the rustic settings of old Dubai on the other.

Essential info

Opening hours: This is a 24/7 destination, so you can visit whenever you please
How to get there: The easiest way to reach Dubai Creek Harbour is by car, taking Al Khail Road (E44)
Prices: Entrance is free and no booking is required

From incredible cityscape backdrops to stunning reflections on glass-like water, Dubai Marina is a great spot to capture all that the modern city has to offer. Catch a splendid sunrise, or stop for a delicious meal at one from the many waterfront restaurants. There's so much vibrancy in and around the area to fuel your passion for photography.

Essential info

Opening hours: Dubai Marina is open 24/7
How to get there: The neighbourhood can be easily accessed by car from Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). Various other method of transport are available; DMCC and Sobha Realty are the closest Dubai Metro stations, while Dubai Marina Mall has its own Dubai Tram station
Entrance cost: Entrance is free and no booking is required

Enjoy endless photo opportunities at Dubai Parks and Resorts. With two theme parks, a waterpark and themed resorts, the one-of-a-kind fun zone is picture perfect. From exquisite rides to fabulous restaurants and incredible entertainment for the whole family, your camera will be clicking non-stop.

Essential info

Opening hours: 10am to 11pm daily
How to get there: Dubai Parks and Resorts is located just off Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). If you'd like to use public transport, take the Dubai Metro to Ibn Battuta station, then take the RTA Shuttle Bus
Entrance cost: Tickets start at AED330
Where to book: Tickets are available via Visit Dubai or you can call +971 800 262 9464

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall is the ideal place to get the greatest shark selfie – no Photoshop required. Capture aquatic life in all its glory in the aquarium's massive underwater tunnel. Afterwards, enter the creepy crawly zone of the Underwater Zoo (if you dare) to spot snakes and giant crocodiles.

Essential info

Opening hours: 10am to 11pm (Monday to Friday), 10am to 12am (Saturday and Sunday)
How to get there: Dubai Mall is located next to Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) for those travelling by car. It also has its own Dubai Metro station, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, which requires a 20-minute walk to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Entrance cost: Tickets start at AED149 per person
Where to book: Tickets are available via Visit Dubai or you can call +971 800 3822 46255

Every photograph taken at Kite Beach tells a story of adventure. Explore a world of watersports from kayaking to kite surfing – just remember to bring your GoPro to capture all the action. Alternatively, enjoy the lazy summer vibe by strolling along walkways with Burj Al Arab in the horizon or dining at a seaside cafe.

Essential info

Opening hours: Kite Beach is open 24/7, with round-the-clock lifeguards and some sections open for swimming between sunset and sunrise
How to get there: Drive along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) until you reach Al Thanya Street/D61. Take this exit and follow the signs to Kite Beach. The closest bus stops are Manara and Enoc 1 and 2, both of which are served by bus line 81 and are located about a five-minute walk away
Entrance cost: Entrance is free and no booking is required