Dubai has many beautiful deserts, so it is not that easy to decide which is the most beautiful and which is the right spot to take photos. Every dessert has its own personality.
Some have tall rolling dunes, some feel quiet and untouched, some come with lakes (yes, lakes in the desert), and a few even have abandoned villages that look straight out of a movie scene.
So, again, which desert is gonna be most suitable for you for a photoshoot?
Be with me to have a thorough explanation of this topic.
And don’t worry, I’m keeping things simple. No fancy words. No travel-blog fluff. Just real, practical details you should know—how each location looks, what makes it different, the type of photos that work best there, and even how far it is from the center of Dubai.
Let’s jump in.
1. Fossil Rock
Fossil Rock is one of those places that you kind of feel before you even reach it.
Even going there is no less than a welcoming experience. The city slowly fades away, the desert starts opening up, and wide dunes start appearing on both sides of the road.
It almost prepares you for the kind of photos you’re about to take.
When you finally see the big rock standing in the middle of the sand, it looks pretty striking.
If you go close, you’ll notice little fossils on the rock, which adds a nice touch, especially if you like detailed shots. The whole area was once underwater ages ago.
The best time to visit? Early morning because the sand still looks untouched, and the light creates long shadows that look great in photos. A lot of people come here for car shots, pre-wedding shoots, solo portraits, or even those quiet landscape photos with nothing but sand and sky.
Another nice thing? It is quiet. You can breathe, explore, and experiment with different angles.
Distance from Dubai Center: About 60–65 km | On a 50 minutes to 1 hour drive
Best For: Wide-angle desert shots, adventure-style portraits, and dramatic backdrops with natural rock formations.
2. Bab Al Shams Desert
Bab Al Shams Desert sits near the well-known Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, but you don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the desert around it.
The landscape here feels different.
The dunes are smoother and softer, and the area has a quiet, warm vibe to it. It is quite easy to carry camera gear or props as these dunes aren’t too steep.
This place is a favorite for couple shoots, family portraits, and lifestyle or editorial sessions.
The sand has a warmer, golden tone (especially in the golden hour), and it gives photos a soft, dreamy look. The curves of dunes become more visible when the sun starts dropping.
You’ll also find scattered ghaf trees and textured patches here and there, which help break the “endless sand” look. These small changes in the landscape make the area photographer-friendly because you can create different moods without having to move far.
It’s calm, beautiful, and surprisingly versatile for all kinds of shoots.
Distance from Dubai Center: Roughly 55–60 km | One 45–50 minutes drive
Best For: Soft, golden-hour couple shoots and relaxed family or lifestyle photography on smooth, walk-friendly dunes.
3. Al Maha Desert Resort
Al Maha Desert Resort sits inside the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and that already sets the tone—peaceful, protected, and naturally beautiful.
Because it is a conservation area, the desert here feels almost untouched. The dunes are tall, soft, and perfectly shaped
If you go a little deeper into the area, you hear nothing but wind. Taking photographs here means the whole experience is going to be relaxed and unhurried.
One of the things that makes Al Maha stand out is the wildlife. You can actually spot Arabian oryx or gazelles wandering around, which adds a very gentle, natural vibe to the place.
If someone wants nature-themed portraits or peaceful lifestyle shots, this area fits the mood perfectly.
The sand also changes color throughout the day—from orange to deeper gold tones. So even if you shoot from the same spot, your photos will naturally look different at different times.
The private walkways near the resort are also great for capturing wind patterns and wide open-sky backgrounds.
Distance from Dubai Center: About 65 km from Downtown Dubai | On a 50–55 minute drive
Best For: Peaceful, luxury-themed photos with tall, clean dunes, wildlife in the background, and a quiet natural atmosphere.
4. Al Qudra Lakes
Al Qudra Lakes are man-made lakes in the desert of Dubai.
These give a completely different experience from the usual “desert only” spots.
The area sits inside the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, which gives it a calm and refreshing atmosphere.
What makes Al Qudra special is the mix—you get desert dunes, natural-looking lakes, and patches of greenery all in one place.
This contrast between water and sand creates a softer environment, perfect for people who want desert photos but also want something a bit unique.
You can shoot next to the lake for peaceful lifestyle photos, or walk a little into the trees for creative portrait shots.
And if you move away from the crowded areas, there are wide dunes that look untouched—great for classic desert photography.
The sunset here is amazing. The light reflects off the lake, creating a warm glow behind your subjects. It is simple but beautiful.
You may also spot swans, ducks, or even desert foxes if you’re lucky. These little moments make your photos feel more natural and story-like.
Distance from Dubai Center: About 45–50 km from central Dubai | 40–45 minutes by car
Best For: Mixed-style shoots that blend water, dunes, and greenery, especially during sunset near the lakes.
5. Al Madam Ghost Town
Al Madam is one of the more unusual places near Dubai—a little mysterious, a little cinematic. The desert itself is wide and quiet, but the main attraction is the abandoned village.
The old houses and the small mosque are slowly being buried under the sand, which gives the whole area a dramatic, almost movie-like look. Photographers love Al Madam because it mixes architecture with desert landscapes.
You can capture portraits framed by doorways, textured walls, or old windows—and then walk a few meters to shoot clean desert dunes.
The dunes here are tall and form clear ridges that catch sunlight beautifully during sunrise and sunset. The sand also has a slightly reddish tone, especially in the afternoon, which adds extra warmth to the photos.
Since the area isn’t packed with tourists, you get a calm space to try different concepts, set up your shots, or simply explore.
Distance from Dubai Center: 65–70 km from Dubai’s center | 50 minutes to 1 hour by car
Best For: Creative, cinematic portraits and storytelling shoots using both abandoned structures and untouched tall dunes.
Conclusion
Shooting in Dubai’s desert just always feels special. Each place has its own vibe, and that’s what makes it fun.
One spot feels calm, another feels wild, and another gives you water or old buildings to play with. You sort of discover the mood as you walk around.
And honestly, that’s the beauty of it—you’re not just taking photos, you’re soaking in the place. If you love open space, warm light, and a bit of adventure, visit these locations.
