Abu Dhabi / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Abu Dhabi
Museums, waterfronts and varied architecture offer many ways to photograph Abu Dhabi. These ten places range from a historic fort to the modern skyline.
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Photo spots on the map
2 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Louvre Abu DhabiSourced place
- Etihad TowersApproximate area
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is known for its white domes and columns. For an exterior image, choose a viewpoint that keeps the building’s overall shape visible, then look for a tighter composition of repeated architectural forms.
Search Google MapsLouvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi sits beneath a large dome that filters daylight. Let the dome dominate an architectural composition, or include more of the surrounding museum buildings to show its scale and setting.
Search Google MapsQasr Al Watan
Qasr Al Watan is a palace in Abu Dhabi’s Corniche area. Look for a balanced exterior view of its architecture, then choose a closer crop of a doorway or decorative element for a contrasting detail.
Search Google MapsAldar HQ
Aldar HQ is a circular office building on the Al Raha waterfront. Photograph its exterior from a distance that preserves its full outline, or focus on part of the curved façade for a more abstract image.
Search Google MapsEtihad Towers
The Etihad Towers are part of Abu Dhabi’s modern skyline. Use a vertical composition to give the buildings room in the frame, or step back for a wider city view that shows the towers together.
Search Google MapsEmirates Palace
Emirates Palace is a hotel whose architecture features on the city’s landmark route. For an exterior photograph, give the building space in the frame and compare a broad view with a close crop of one detail.
Search Google MapsAbu Dhabi Corniche
The Corniche follows Abu Dhabi’s waterfront and includes a broad promenade and beach. Frame the shoreline with water on one side, then turn towards the city for a different composition using the promenade as a leading line.
Search Google MapsQasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn began as a watchtower and developed into a fort and palace. Photograph the historic structure as a whole, or look for an architectural detail that contrasts with the surrounding modern city.
Search Google MapsHeritage Village
Heritage Village recreates aspects of earlier life in the UAE, including palm-leaf houses and traditional boats. Use one structure as your main subject and leave room around it to show the setting of the reconstructed village.
Search Google MapsFounder’s Memorial
The Founder’s Memorial is a public space on Corniche Road centred on a three-dimensional portrait called The Constellation. Move around the artwork to compare how the portrait reads from different angles within its setting.
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