Photo. Unsplash/Fredrik Ohlander
It’s got sun, sea, sandy beaches, but it’s also got a museum of the future, chic galleries and restaurants by award-winning chefs – so, it’s no surprise Dubai was voted one of the best destinations in the world.
According to data collected by online travel site TripAdvisor, the emirate is one of the destinations that “travelers raved about most”. Dubai ranked in at 12th position, which sounds more impressive when you take into account there’s currently 195 countries in the world.
While London, Paris and Crete took the top three spots, Dubai was voted for being “a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.”
In honor of the fabulous emirate, we’ve highlighted the most Instagrammable spots in Dubai, with images sourced from one of the UAE’s greatest photographers and promoters for the region: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Al Qudra Lakes
An unexpected romantic spot in the desert, Al Qudra lakes has greenery, free-roaming wildlife and quaint lakes shaped like interlocking hearts. What’s not to love?
Burj Al Arab
The self-appointed seven-star hotel has been a must-visit for tourists since it’s completion in 1999. Particularly popular for its high tea.
Burj Khalifa
With nearly 4.5 million hashtags, the world’s tallest building must be snapped. The skyscraper, which stands at a total 829.8m tall is stunning enough on its own, but if you capture it during a thunderstorm then expect extra likes.
The Palm
As proven by Sheikh Hamdan the best way to view this man-made island, shaped like a palm, is from above. Plus skydiving is another win for Instagram.
Dubai Canal
The artificial water canal, which as inaugurated on November 9, 2016, is not only a stunning spot to watch the sunset, go for a run or cycle, it’s also a great place to socialise with a shopping centre, four hotels, restaurants, luxury housing, and walkways.s
Museum of the Future
Dubai’s next cultural wonder may not be open yet, but its structure designed by architectural company Killa Design, is already popular on the gram.
The Desert
If you didn’t get a photo of you on, or next to, a camel in the desert, did you even really visit the desert?
Atlantis, The Palm
One of the most iconic buildings on the Palm, the hotel is a destination in itself complete with aquariums, a dolphin pool and waterpark.
Sheikh Zayed Road
Yes it’s a motorway, but it is the road that connects everything in Dubai, and frankly it’s also quite stunning, especially at night. Take advantage of a traffic jam and just start snapping (providing you’re not the driver, of course).
The Skyline
The Dubai skyline has become as iconic as New York’s – stunning high rises in an amalgamation of shapes and designs. At sunset the view is unparalleled.
Read next: 5 of Dubai’s Most Instagram-Worthy Breakfast Spots
