| Victoria Zurakowski
Our Favourite Instagram Locations in the UAE
From the Dubai Frame to Snoopy Island, find the best Instagram locations the UAE has to offer.
It's no secret that the UAE has a rich cultural heritage. It's also no secret that there are several picturesque and aesthetic Instagram locations in the UAE. To prove our point, not long ago, we posted some of Dubai's most Instagrammable places.
With the October - November tourist season here already, we thought this was an opportunity to share some of our favourite Instagram photo locations so you, too, can soak up and capture the diverse beauty of the UAE.
So, without further ado, here are our favourite Instagram locations in the UAE.
Dubai
They say that you should visit Dubai at least one time in your lifetime and we couldn't agree more. Dubai is one of the most unique and fascinating cities in the world - and it's also one of the best Instagram locations in the UAE. When it comes to taking the best Instagram pictures, Dubai is a traveller's dream thanks to its diverse collection of futuristic architecture and historical sights.
1. The Dubai Frame
One of Dubai's newest attractions, The Dubai Frame, has not surprisingly already made its mark online thanks to its Instagrammable appeal. This one-of-a-kind structure-cum-installation sets the scene for a great Dubai Instagram post. After doing the touristy bit and taking the elevator to the top to get the perfect view of how old meets new with Bur Dubai and Dubai Creek on one side and the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Towers, and the Burj Al-Arab on the other, it's time to take the perfect Insta shot. Strike your best pose in the middle of The Dubai Frame and shoot using the panoramic feature to ensure you snap both sides.
2. Dubai Miracle Garden
Put on your favourite floral dress and blend in with the lush backdrop of the Dubai Miracle Garden. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the confluence of sculptures, crafts, and displays made of flowers, making it one of the best Instagram spots in Dubai. Due to seasonal blooms, the best time to visit is from October until March.
3. Atlantis Aquaventure
Love a waterpark? Well, you're in luck. At Dubai's Atlantis Aquaventure, you'll feel like you've been transported to a whole new world. Grab a waterproof camera, throw on your favourite one-piece, and get ready for some wet and very wild fun. This is up there with the cool locations for Instagram shoots in Dubai thanks to its iconic arc of Atlantis the Palm, the Tower of Poseidon, and the aquarium.
4. Wings of Mexico
Whether it's a frilly angelic-like dress or a pair of jeans and your favourite blouse, there's no denying that one of the most Instagrammable places in Dubai is the Wings of Mexico sculpture. Offering the perfect backdrop of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard is the place to head to grab a few extra shots of one of the best Instagram locations in the UAE.
5. Burj Khalifa
Speaking of the Burj Khalifa and the best Instagram locations in the UAE, this towering structure that consumes Dubai's horizon is one wanderlust photoshoot location not to be missed. After a quick wardrobe change into something a little more glamorous after visiting the Wings of Mexico, strike your best pose in front of the world's highest structure.
6. Dubai Creek Harbour
When it comes to cool locations for Instagram photoshoots that capture the true essence of Dubai, it is hard to beat Dubai Creek Harbour. This modern waterfront residential area offers a spectacular view of the impressive cityscape. For one of the best Instagram photo locations in the UAE, head up to the glass viewing platform on the 124th floor. Here, you can pose in your favourite flowing dress in front of the glass-painted wings to capture yourself with Dubai's skyline in the background.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the second most visited Emirate in the UAE, and Instagrammers love it for a good reason. From the fiery desert to some of the most magnificent architecture, Abu Dhabi makes for a captivating cultural and historical trip with all its splendour.
7. The Empty Quarter
It isn't called the Empty Quarter for nothing - Rub' al Khali boasts the largest untouched desert in the world. Spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, it's no wonder that this unceasing sand mass lends itself as the perfect backdrop to put on your favourite boho dress and take some breathtaking photos in what must be one of the best Instagram locations in the UAE.
8. The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Giving its older sister in Paris a run for its money when it comes to cool locations on Instagram, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a stunning museum located on Saadiyat Island. The modern white walls and grey domed roof contrast beautifully against the bluest of blue seas, making the building's exterior a must for any travel influencers' Instagram feed.
9. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Perhaps one of the most impressive mosques in the Middle East in terms of its stature, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which also happens to be the largest mosque in the UAE, is the perfect place to visit for a dose of culture. It is also one of the most impressive aesthetic Instagram locations in the UAE, thanks to its striking white Middle Eastern architecture.
Respectful dress in line with Islamic beliefs and traditions is mandatory, so grab your favourite scarf and add this famous mosque to your list of things to see and do in Abu Dhabi.
10. Qasr Al Hosn
Dating back to 1761, Qasr Al Hosn is a historic landmark that offers the opportunity to take some snaps at one of the best Instagram spots in Abu Dhabi. This is the oldest standing building in Abu Dhabi, boasting its original watchtower, making it a spectacular UAE photoshoot location. A neutral-toned outfit makes for the perfect outfit to capture the beauty of the mysterious doorway and peaceful courtyard.
11. The Mangrove Forests
The Mangrove Forest is not only one of the best Instagram locations in the UAE; it's also perfect for those of you that love to be at one with nature. Offering the most spectacular photo opportunities in Abu Dhabi, the Mangrove Forests, a biodiversity hub, brings together nature and leisure.
Take all the pictures you want while posing amongst the lush greenery and having fun spotting the impressive variety of land and marine creatures that range from herons to gazelle to flamingos, and if luck is on your side, dolphins. Put on a playsuit and sunhat, grab your binoculars, and don't forget the hashtag #naturelovers.
Sharjah
When planning a trip to the UAE, the places that come to mind first are Dubai and Abu Dhabi, especially when it comes to cool locations for Instagram. But there's more to the UAE than these two places. Sharjah is a hip, up-and-coming cultural hub in the UAE and the entire Middle East. With several cool art cafes, galleries, and parks, Sharjah is also home to some impressive aesthetic Instagram locations in the UAE.
12. Sharjah Art Museum
Art lovers rejoice - if you're feeling arty or want some aesthetic Instagram shots in Sharjah, you can up your Insta game at the Sharjah Art Museum. Have fun posing amongst a series of cool sculptures and art installations across the museum's three floors. With random pops of colour around every corner, why not wear something light, like a crisp white structured shirt dress, to offset the vivid art pieces?
13. Sharjah Aquarium
Aquariums make for beautiful and romantic Instagram shots, but the Sharjah Aquarium is more than just this. With its long underground glass passages and colourful and intriguing marine life like reef sharks and clownfish, the Sharjah is a must-visit place when visiting this up-and-coming Emirate. With over 150 marine species, this aquarium will undoubtedly impress your Instagram followers.
14. Al Noor Island
Nestled away on the northern part of Khalid Lagoon, you'll find Al Noor Island - one of the best-kept secrets and cool Instagram locations in the UAE. Al Noor Island brings together art, nature, and entertainment with its unique sculptures and butterfly house home to around 500 different butterfly species from all four corners of the world. It's worth noting that there are various photo opportunities, further proving its status among some of the best Instagram locations in the UAE.
There's plenty to see, do, and snap from the impressive butterfly house to the towering sculptures. For a more aesthetic Instagram photoshoot, visit the island at night when it's transformed into something magical with the thousands of LED lights illuminating the trees and sculptures. To create even more unique shots, why not blend in with the environment with a Madame Butterfly dress?
Ajman
Ajman is the smallest emirate of the seven covering just 260 square kilometres. But despite its small stature, it is rich when it comes to things to see and do.
15. Dhow Yard
One of the most exciting and Instagrammable spots in Ajman would have to be Dhow Yard. As one of the oldest dhow-producing sites globally, this is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Ajman. Steeped in history and located north of Ajman Creek, this is one photoshoot location in the UAE not to miss.
16. Al Zorah Beach
It's time to channel the spiritual Goddess within and dig out your ethereal flowing maxi because as far as unspoiled beaches go in the Middle East, Al Zorah Beach has to be at the top. Clear blue waters and smooth white sands make this stunning beach one of the best Instagram locations in the UAE. For even more mesmerizing views and shots, be sure to capture the moment during sunset.
Fujairah
Sitting on a body of water with a stunning mountain backdrop, Fujairah is home to some of the best Instagram spots in the Middle East, thanks to its fusion of authentic places that range from ancient fortresses to secret oases in the untouched mountains.
17. Snoopy Island
Snoopy Island is not only one of the best Instagram locations in the UAE; it's also one of the country's best-kept secrets. Whether you're looking for some stunning landscape pics for your Instagram travel feed or you want to show off your flirty and fun side in a cute bikini while snorkelling, kayaking, or scuba diving, this picturesque island will undoubtedly generate a lot of likes.
These are just some of the best Instagram locations in the UAE, and they are 100% worth visiting. You'll soon discover that, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi are gorgeous in their rights, there are plenty more aesthetic Instagram locations to be discovered. The UAE is home to an array of stunning attractions, where you can witness gorgeous views and explore a world that successfully fuses the old and the new. So what are you waiting for? The UAE is waiting for you - do it for the 'gram!