After we wrapped up the first moon shot, we rushed back to the hotel. The clouds promised an interesting opportunity for shot of Downtown at sunrise, and staying at Shangri-la Hotel in Dubai, we had the perfect terrace all to ourselves.
That morning was a time limit race. We had just finished a moonshot exercise in the desert, trying to align the moon with passing aircraft. We knew we only had one opportunity to grab something unique as the night gave way to morning. The heavens promised an amazing daybreak, one of those rare days when Dubai’s usually clear, hazy atmosphere became a mix of warm and cold tones.
We had to first arrive though.
Chasing the Perfect Sunrise of Downtown Dubai
Dawn traffic was constant and a slow crawl made every minute seem to last forever. From the bus, we could already see the first traces of golden light bouncing off the glass facades and sifting through the dust-filled air. We were really looking forward it—would we be in time?
We arrived and there was no time to waste. I rushed to my room, swapped lenses, and ran to the rooftop terrace. The moment was brief, the warm orange glow of the sun dissolving into the dusty horizon to produce a natural gradient that gave the cityscape an almost magical impression. A uncommon arrangement in Dubai, where the air is generally too pure for such depth, the blue sky above matched exactly the warm colors below.
With camera in hand, I knew we had located what we were seeking for standing here. This moment—the city waking in gold and amber—was a gift. The large terrace let me create this compositions, but for this photo I positioned myself to the left so the rising sun stayed inside the frame and created soft light over the metropolitan area. It’s always worth to plan ahead what to see & do in Downtown Dubai.
It all was worth it—the excitement of the pursuit, the ideal weather, and the friendship of our group. Bathed in dawn light, Downtown Dubai has never seemed so vibrant. Check out Burj Khalifa Supermoon Alignment and Downtown Dubai at Night both from my trip too!
