United Arab Emirates

The first solo vacation I ever took with my camera was a last minute trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai has so much to offer - some of the world’s most modern architecture, from the largest malls to the tallest buildings, in a wide range of architectural styles. Everything is clean and new and forms a massive and vibrant cityscape that did not exist just a few decades ago.

And the culture is very diverse, with the vast majority of the population being immigrants and expats who came to Dubai to work. They brought along shopping brands and restaurant chains from their home countries, making Dubai a melting pot of styles and tastes from all over the world.

The only major downside is the heat and the humidity. Walking around is not really much fun, especially because my skin is very sensitive to the sun. And even though I was carrying around my camera, many drivers took pity on me and offered me a lift. Fun times.

The Glow above Sheikh Zayed Road

Overlooking Dubai at night from a 40th floor balcony reveals an ocean of lights

Close your Eyes and Jump!

An installation in the largest shopping mall in the world, the Dubai Mall.