Capturing the wonders of Dubai and Qatar

I recently got the chance to travel to Dubai and Qatar, and while there was no shortage of spectacular vistas for me to photograph, from the soaring buildings of Abu Dhabi Creekside to the serene grandeur of the Grand Mosque (which proved to be my favourite place)…. at the end I found the place to be ‘shallow’.

Dubai has a lot of modern marvels, yet I couldn't help but sense that it was an artificial place. Everything looked so sleek and contemporary, and while the city was friendly, it lacked a certain character. It appeared as though the traditional features that give a place character and depth had been eliminated by the modernization and quick development.

The Dubai Mall, which provides a distinctive fusion of modernism and history, is a marvel of contemporary architecture, with slender, cutting-edge design and tall glass walls. Traditional components like vibrant mosaic tiles and elaborate craftsmanship also provide a hint of regional flair. The end effect is a breathtaking area with countless photo opportunities.

I also had the chance to see the La Perle show, an absolutely breathtaking display of acrobatics. An amazing evening was created by the performers' extraordinary skill and the visually gorgeous set.

One must also mention the Global Village which is an expansive outdoor theme park that celebrates the diverse cultures of the world. The Global Village is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the diverse cultures of the world in one place. As a photographer, the Global Village offers endless opportunities to capture the colorful sights, sounds, and flavors of different cultures from around the globe.

My journey, however, was not just focused on the city. I also had the chance to take a quick morning desert safari that brought us well into the Arabian Desert's dunes. It was breathtaking to see the stark contrast between the tall sand dunes and the clear blue sky, and the early morning sunrise only enhanced the scene. I was impressed by the solitude and peace that comes from being surrounded by nothing but sand and sky as we traveled through the desert.

I also had the chance to watch a World Cup game between Australia and Denmark, and the atmosphere was unique. The sea of vibrant flags and the noise of the crowd made for a striking scene.

Overall, my vacation to Dubai and Qatar was a visual feast, and I returned home with a ton of amazing pictures to cherish the memory. There were plenty of magnificent sights for me to photograph, from the urban modernity to the serene desert. But, although I am sure that many people would be happy to visit Dubai, I personally would prefer to spend my vacation time in some other kind of location. It all boils down to personal preference in the end - if you are a photographer searching for a location with a vibrant visual atmosphere with lots of cool architecture or are a tourist who wants to have a great time doing relaxing stuff then Dubai is a great place to be in. However, you should be prepared to experience an artificial setting that, while warm and hospitable, lacks the soul that comes with a rich history and tradition.