Photographs of the Middle East

A Great Day (and Night) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

That fine day spent photographing Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2014 was very much down to a chance meeting. I had been exhibiting with my good friend Sami Nabeel. There we met Ziyad Alarfaj – who kindly agreed to show us around and with that vital gift to the photographer – help to get access.

The day started very early at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, a short drive from Dubai. As day broke over the mosque the blue light of dawn set off the white building beautifully.

Our host got us private access. It was hard to believe this magnificent structure had been constructed just a few years ago. We spent the morning watching the light change and the sun casting stronger and stronger shadows.

We watched the sun go down over the Persian Gulf and nightfall over the Burj Al Arab. As the light changed another series of memorable photographs resulted.

After dark we travelled into Dubai for a night shoot. We were given access to the 40th floor of an apartment building. The views over the city were remarkable. The lights on the world famous buildings and traffic trails on the highway below made for some wonderful cityscapes.

There was more to come. As we packed up the clouds and mist fell. A spectacular vista took on a deeper mystical feel. Clouds made a superb frame for the Burj Khalifer, the world’s tallest building, almost a kilometre high.

That’s enough words. I’ll let the images do the talking with a sincere thanks to Ziyad for his hospitality and for making the day such a success.