I've spent years photographing Dubai's landmarks, and I'll share the exact techniques that have helped me (and thousands of our tour guests) capture magazine-worthy shots. Whether you're using a smartphone or DSLR, these 15 tips will transform your Dubai city tour photos from "nice snapshots" to "wow, how did you get that shot?"
1. Plan Your Route Around Dubai's Most Photogenic Spots
The most Instagram-worthy Dubai photos come from these specific locations:
- Burj Khalifa – The observation deck (At the Top, Level 124/125) offers aerial city views, but the best ground-level shot is from the Dubai Fountain area at night
- Dubai Frame – Arrive at opening (9 AM) to avoid crowds in your shots
- Palm Jumeirah – The monorail provides unique elevated angles of the fronds
- Dubai Marina – Walk along the Marina Walk promenade for reflections in the water
- Old Dubai (Al Fahidi) – Authentic alleyways with traditional wind towers
Pro tip: Our Dubai City Tour with Burj Khalifa ticket hits all these spots in the optimal sequence for photography.
2. Master Dubai's Golden Hour Timing
Dubai's golden hour timing varies by season:
- Winter (Nov-Feb): Sunrise 6:30-7:00 AM, Sunset 5:30-6:00 PM
- Summer (May-Aug): Sunrise 5:30-6:00 AM, Sunset 7:00-7:30 PM
- Best months for photography: October through March (clear skies, comfortable temperatures)
The 30 minutes before sunset at Dubai Marina creates that famous orange glow on the glass towers. I've photographed this dozens of times – trust me, it's worth planning your day around.
3. Camera Settings That Actually Work in Dubai
Dubai's bright sunlight can fool your camera. Here's what works:
- Smartphone: Enable HDR, tap to focus on the building (not the sky), then slide exposure down slightly
- DSLR/Mirrorless: Aperture priority, f/8-f/11 for sharp buildings, ISO 100-400
- Night shots: Use a mini tripod (they're allowed at most landmarks), ISO 800-1600, 2-4 second exposure
For more sunset photography opportunities, check out our guide on top Dubai city tour attractions – several offer stunning evening views.
4. Angles That Make Your Photos Stand Out
Everyone takes the same "standing in front of Burj Khalifa" shot. Here's how to be different:
- Burj Khalifa: Lie on your back in the park area and shoot straight up – creates a dramatic converging lines effect
- Dubai Frame: Shoot through the frame opening from Zabeel Park for a "picture within a picture"
- Dubai Marina: Get low at water level for reflections, or find a café with a second-floor terrace
- Sheikh Zayed Road: Pedestrian bridges offer traffic light trails at night (15-30 second exposure)
5. Include People for Scale and Story
Dubai's buildings are so massive that photos often fail to convey their size. Include people (with their permission) to show scale:
- A person standing at the base of Burj Khalifa shows its incredible height
- Traditional dress in the Gold Souk adds cultural context
- Crowds at Dubai Mall fountain show the spectacle's popularity
If you're interested in capturing authentic cultural moments, our Dubai history tour guide covers the best spots in Old Dubai.
6. Use HDR for Dubai's High-Contrast Scenes
Dubai's bright sun and shaded areas create extreme contrast. HDR mode (available on all modern smartphones) captures detail in both bright skies and shadowed buildings.
When to use HDR:
- Shooting from shaded areas toward sunny buildings
- Indoor shots looking out windows (like from Burj Khalifa observation deck)
- Any scene where you can see both sky and ground
7. Best Apps for Editing Dubai Photos
These free apps can transform your shots:
- Snapseed (free) – Best for selective adjustments; brighten shadows without blowing out highlights
- Lightroom Mobile (free) – Professional-grade color correction
- VSCO – Subtle film-like presets that work well with Dubai's modern architecture
A quick edit tip: Reduce highlights, increase shadows, add slight warmth – this brings out Dubai's golden tones.
8. Desert Photography: Beyond the City
Some of Dubai's most stunning photos come from the desert. The red dunes at sunset create colors you won't find anywhere in the city.
For photographers, I'd recommend our premium desert safari – it includes stops at the highest dunes specifically for photos. The golden hour in the desert is genuinely spectacular.
9. Night Photography Tips
Dubai transforms after dark. Here's how to capture it:
- Dubai Fountain: Shows run every 30 minutes from 6 PM – the 6:00 and 6:30 shows have better lighting
- Burj Al Arab: Best photographed from the public beach at Umm Suqeim just after sunset
- Business Bay: The bridge near Dubai Canal offers reflections of illuminated towers
For more nighttime photography spots, see our Dubai nightlife guide.
10. Practical Tips for the Dubai Heat
Protecting your gear is as important as knowing where to shoot:
- Avoid leaving cameras in hot cars – LCD screens can be damaged above 50°C (common in Dubai summers)
- Carry lens wipes – air conditioning creates condensation when you go outside
- Bring a power bank – heat drains phone batteries faster
- Shoot early morning or after 4 PM in summer to avoid harsh midday light and heat
Ready to Capture Dubai?
These techniques have helped me capture thousands of Dubai photos over the years. The combination of modern architecture, traditional souks, and desert landscapes makes Dubai one of the most photogenic cities I've ever worked in.
If you want to hit all the best photo spots efficiently, our Dubai City Tour with Burj Khalifa covers the key landmarks in the right order, with plenty of time for photography at each stop. Our guides know exactly where to position you for the best angles – they've helped thousands of guests get their perfect Dubai shot.
