Grab your camera, fuel up your car and get ready for an unforgettable road trip across the city. Here's your guide to the best Instagram-worthy spots in Dubai that you can easily reach by car.
Dubai is a paradise for Instagram lovers. The breathtaking architecture, golden desert and stunning waterfronts! The best part? Many of these picture-perfect spots are just a drive away!
So, grab your camera, fuel up your car and get ready for an unforgettable road trip across the city. Here's your guide to the best Instagram-worthy spots in Dubai that you can easily reach by car.
1. Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai for Iconic Shots
The tallest building in the world is surrounded with mesmerizing fountains. Plus, the cityscape looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. As such, the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai offer endless photo opportunities.
Best Photo Spots
Dubai Mall Fountain Area
Park at Dubai Mall and walk towards the Dubai Fountain to get a full-frame shot of the Burj Khalifa. Want to make it better? Visit it at night to capture the fountain show!
Sky Views Observatory
For a jaw-dropping aerial shot of Downtown Dubai, book a visit to Sky Views Dubai. There, you can snap photos from a glass bridge suspended between skyscrapers.
Boulevard Plaza
Want a unique street-style shot? Drive to Boulevard Plaza and capture Burj Khalifa towering above from a pedestrian-friendly street.
Remember, timing matters! The best lighting for photos is during sunrise for fewer crowds or sunset for golden hours.
2. Al Qudra Love Lake, A Heart in the Desert
This heart-shaped lake in the middle of the desert is romantic. Plus, it is an absolute dream for drone photography. Here are some spots you'd like to cover.
Best Photo Spots
Love Lake Viewpoint
If you have a drone, capture the lake's full heart shape from above. In case you don't have a drone, ground-level shots with the water reflecting the sky look just as stunning.
Sand Dunes Around the Lake
The golden dunes make a perfect backdrop, especially during sunset. If you are looking for a fashion shoot here, nothing beats the scenic contrasts of white outfits against the sand dune with some headgear and stunning jewelry.
3. The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, for a Luxurious Backdrop
With breathtaking views of Atlantis The Royal and Atlantis The Palm, The Pointe is an elegant waterfront location that is a symbol of luxury. But make sure to visit during the evening when the Atlantis hotels are fully lit up.
Best Photo Spots
Waterfront Walkway
Stand along the "The Pointe promenade" for an iconic shot of Atlantis behind you. Pre-plan your shot for this click, including the pose and the outfit.
The Palm Fountain
Capture Dubai's largest dancing fountain show for a dynamic video or long-exposure shot. We are sure it will go trending on instagram!
Rooftop Cafés & Restaurants
Some restaurants at The Pointe offer high-angle views of the Atlantis Hotel. Perfect for a food + skyline shot for all you Gram bloggers and Pinterest-loving individuals.
4. Hatta Dam to Witness a Hidden Oasis
Bright blue waters surrounded by rugged mountains? Hatta is about a 90-minute drive from Dubai. So, plan your visit for a full day to explore its beauty.
PS: A road trip to Hatta is a must for nature lovers!
Best Photo Spots
Hatta Dam Kayaking Area
Rent a kayak or paddleboard to get an adventurous on-the-water shot here.
Hatta Hill Park
Drive up to this scenic viewpoint for a panoramic view of Hatta's stunning landscape.
5. Dubai Creek Harbour to Get a Skyline View
If you're looking for a stunning yet less crowded skyline view, Dubai Creek Harbour is your go-to spot. The Burj Khalifa is perfectly framed across the water. This makes it a dream for cityscape photography.
Best Photo Spots
Creek Marina Boardwalk
A beautiful waterfront walkway where you can capture reflections of the Dubai skyline on the water.
Sunset Point
Arrive just before golden hour. You'll get a skyline silhouette shot with the sun setting behind Burj Khalifa. Now, that's worth a viral picturesque photograph online.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Just a short drive from Creek Harbour, you can get an unexpected contrast: flamingos with the Burj Khalifa in the background! The thought alone is so exciting. Just imagine how the photographs will turn out to be.
6. Meydan Bridge for The Futuristic Light Show
If you love architecture and night photography, this bridge is a hidden gem. Its wavy blue lights make for a mesmerizing long-exposure shot.
Best Photo Spots
Long Exposure Shot at Night
Use a tripod to get stunning light trails from passing cars. It will be the picture that describes high-end city-life the best!
Skyline View from Afar
And if you step back just enough, you can get both the bridge and the Burj Khalifa in your frame.
Pro Tip: Avoid peak traffic times! This is a functional bridge. So, early morning or late night is best for smooth shooting.
7. Jumeirah Beach & Kite Beach for Sun, Sand & Skyscrapers
Nothing shows Dubai luxury like a beachside shot with the Burj Al Arab in the background. So make sure you capture it to bring out the true essence of Dubai.
Best Photo Spots
Sunset Beach
This is one of the best unobstructed spots to capture the Burj Al Arab with the sea. Besides this, the beach boasts the iconic seaside shack Bu Qtair which serves delicious seafood dishes.
Kite Beach
This beach is perfect for a sporty vibe with kitesurfers in the background. And the best part? You can swim here from sunrise to sunset. So, if you are a water baby who is looking to get some pictures and videos recorded, this is hands down the best spot to catch some waves against the dreamy yellow-hued backdrop.
Beachside Cafés
Many trendy beach cafés offer aesthetic setups for a lifestyle shot. Think of a top shot featuring seafood, a cool drink with a little umbrella, a hat, a good book, and vacation nails. Yay!
8. Dubai Marina & Bluewaters Island for the Ultimate Urban Backdrop
Sleek skyscrapers, yachts, and Ain Dubai, which is the world's largest observation wheel, make this a must-visit.
Best Photo Spots
Marina Walk
Capture the reflection of towering buildings in the water while yachts glide by. Perfect for shooting the iconic, big-money lifestyle of Dubai.
Bluewaters Island Pedestrian Bridge
Stand in the middle of the bridge for a perfectly framed shot of Ain Dubai. At night, this bridge is illuminated, and so is the Ain Dubai, which makes it just the ideal shot.
9. Al Seef & Old Dubai to Capture a Blend of Past & Present
If you love historical aesthetics, Al Seef offers traditional Arabic architecture mixed with a modern touch. If you're visiting at night, look for the hidden alleyways that light up beautifully with warm lantern glows.
Best Photo Spots
Traditional Wind Towers
Get an old-world Dubai shot with rustic sand-colored buildings. These wind towers are emblems of traditional Arabian architecture and are deeply tied to Emirati culture. Made of Palm fronds and later sea stone/coral, the towers are a beautiful blend of beauty and use.
Souks & Lantern Alleys
Some alleys here are beautifully lit with traditional lanterns. This makes them a magical night photography spot. The best part? They are full of interesting things like ouds, gold (of course), and spices. Moreover, the colorful fabrics here will give your shot just the right oomph of color and contrast.
10. Desert Dunes (Al Marmoom Desert & Lahbab Red Dunes) to Get a Classic Dubai Shot
Golden sands, endless dunes and camel shadows make the Dubai desert an iconic backdrop. Avoid midday. The sun can be harsh. Plus, the sand gets extremely hot.
Best Photo Spots
Lahbab Red Dunes
If you are planning for a dramatic desert shot, make sure you visit the Lahbab Red Dunes. The soft, orange-red dunes are a joy to watch. Besides, as the sun sets, the dunes really come to life. Picture individuals in Arabian costumes, ladies with henna in their hands, some authentic Arabic Kehwa, and sheesha with belly dancing. How's all of this to capture the deserts of Dubai?
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
If you want a wildlife element, this desert area is going to leave you wanting for more. Home to oryx, gazelles and flamingos, the desert boasts 158 species of migratory birds and 204 species of native birds. You will also get a chance to shoot the 3,000-year-old Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site which dates back to the Iron Age.
Hit the Road for Your Perfect Instagram Shot!
Dubai is a city made for photography lovers. The best part is that you don't need to trek far to capture its beauty. Whatever you want, be it luxury, nature, history or futuristic cityscapes, there's a picture-perfect spot waiting just a drive away.
And if you are looking for the perfect drive. PCR offers the best rental cars in Dubai. Our collection of rental cars features brands like Chevrolet and Hyundai to Kia, Renault and Toyota. What about special offers? We have that too. Visit our website to explore all the cars you can drive around Dubai for as long as you want to get all the shots you plan to capture.