Why the Desert the Most Popular Photography Locations in Abu Dhabi

When it comes to choosing the perfect location for a family photo shoot in Abu Dhabi, the desert is by far one of the most loved and requested spots. At Peggy Portraits, I photograph many families, couples, and children each year, and the golden dunes are always a favorite—for very good reasons.

Whether you're looking for a fun and relaxed family session or a heartfelt farewell shoot before leaving the UAE, here’s why the Abu Dhabi desert is such a popular photography location.

1. It’s Iconic and Uniquely Abu Dhabi

For many families—especially expats living in Abu Dhabi—the desert is more than just sand and sky. It’s symbolic of their time in the UAE. The rolling dunes, endless horizons, and warm golden light capture the essence of this region like no other place can.

That’s why many of my clients choose the desert for their farewell photo sessions. It’s a chance to freeze this chapter of their life in a setting that’s truly unique to Abu Dhabi. These photos become a beautiful way to remember their experience and share a bit of it with friends and family back home.

2. No Crowds, No Permits, No Pressure

Unlike parks or city spots, the desert offers complete freedom. There’s no need to worry about permits, security guards, or working around crowds of people. We can laugh, run, play, and be as silly or loud as we like—making it ideal for fun and candid family photo shoots.

This freedom is especially helpful when photographing young children, who need space to move around and express themselves. It creates a relaxed and natural atmosphere, which always shines through in the photos.

3. Versatile, Open, and Full of Possibilities

One of the biggest advantages of a desert family photo session is how versatile the location is. Even in a single session, we can capture a wide range of shots—sitting on the dunes, walking along the ridge lines, lying in the sand, or even having a little dance party at sunset.

Because there’s so much open space, there’s room to play with different angles and compositions. Whether you’re after warm and cozy family portraits, joyful action shots with the kids, or something more artistic, the desert offers endless creative opportunities.

4. The Most Magical Sunset in Abu Dhabi

If you’ve ever seen the sun setting over the sand dunes, you’ll know why photographers love it so much. As the sun dips lower, the colors shift from golden to pink, purple, and deep orange—creating the perfect backdrop for dreamy, light-filled portraits.

Planning your desert photo shoot around sunset means we get that soft, flattering golden hour light, which is ideal for creating timeless and warm images. The last 30 minutes before sunset are pure magic and often result in some of the most beautiful photos of the entire session.

Let’s Plan Your Desert Photo Session

If you're looking to capture genuine, heartfelt moments in one of Abu Dhabi’s most breathtaking locations, a desert photography session might be the perfect fit. Whether it's a maternity shoot, a family session, or a farewell photo shoot before leaving the UAE, I’d love to help you plan something truly special.

You can view more of my desert photo shoots in the portfolio section, or get in touch directly to ask any questions or book your session.

Let’s make some beautiful memories together—under the golden Abu Dhabi sky.