Journey Through the UAE: A Visual and Cultural Odyssey
Let the Journey Begin
My latest worldly adventure took me to the United Arab Emirates—a land of contrasts where tradition meets futuristic ambition. Accompanied by my lovely wife, Tanya, and my ever-trusty camera, this was a trip to remember. We departed from Detroit, connecting through New York’s JFK before embarking on a long-haul flight to Abu Dhabi via Etihad Airways. Tanya was attending the IDEX conference as part of a Michigan delegation at the request of our governor, Gretchen Whitmer. For me, the opportunity to work remotely while photographing a part of the world that few Americans truly get to see was too good to pass up.
As our taxi wove through the illuminated streets of Abu Dhabi from Zayed International Airport, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. This trip would take us through both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but I was eager to immerse myself in Abu Dhabi first. As the capital of the UAE, the city carries a more traditional essence, offering a deeper insight into Emirati culture. It did not disappoint.
A Culinary Awakening in Abu Dhabi
After nearly 24 hours of travel, our first mission was food. Tanya and I share a deep appreciation for Mediterranean cuisine, and given Detroit’s vibrant Middle Eastern food scene, our expectations were high. Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the Fattoush salad I ordered at a small, unassuming local eatery. The blend of crisp lettuce, fragrant mint leaves, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and a balsamic dressing unlike any I’d had before made for a dish that redefined freshness. Perhaps it was the exhaustion, or maybe just the joy of finally arriving, but I savored every bite as if it were the first meal of my life. Tanya’s dish—though now lost to memory—was equally delightful. With full stomachs and heavy eyelids, we collapsed into a deep twelve-hour sleep, ready to acclimate to the nine-hour time difference.
Golden Sips and Scenic Rides
We rose early, eager to explore. Our first stop: the opulent Emirates Palace for a 24-karat gold latte. Extravagant? Absolutely. Worth it? Without a doubt. The hotel itself was a marvel, a grand symphony of Arabian luxury and modern elegance. We wandered its corridors, taking in the intricate mosaics, high-domed ceilings, and palatial ambiance before heading out for something more down to earth—an electric scooter ride along the shoreline of the Gulf of Oman. The contrast was striking: on one side, the dazzling blue waters stretched into the horizon, while on the other, the city shimmered with sun-kissed glass facades. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way.
Capturing Abu Dhabi Through the Lens
Abu Dhabi's architectural landscape is an interplay of old and new, where grand mosques and palaces stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers. However, I approached street photography cautiously. I had read about strict privacy laws and was mindful of local customs. For the first few days, I hesitated, wary of offending anyone or worse—ending up on the wrong side of the law. Yet, as time passed, my apprehension gave way to confidence, and my love for capturing the essence of a place took over. Some of my favorite shots from the entire trip were taken here, where the golden hues of the desert met the pristine white of the city’s grand structures.
A Night Among Dignitaries
One of the most surreal experiences of the trip was attending a gala at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, hosted by the King of the UAE. The event brought together dignitaries, military officials, ambassadors, and industry leaders from around the world. The grandeur of the evening, from the decor to the conversations, was unforgettable.
The Road to Dubai: A City Like No Other
With the conference behind us, Tanya and I made our way to Dubai. Excitement bubbled in my chest as we sped across the desert, the ever-growing skyline materializing in the distance. Yet what I hadn’t realized was that Dubai wasn’t a single cityscape—it was a series of urban clusters, each resembling a city in its own right. Some districts were as large as Midtown Manhattan, each an architectural marvel still expanding at an exponential rate.
Our exploration led us to some of Dubai’s most iconic spots: the Dubai Mall, the Miracle Garden, Jumeirah Beach, and of course, the Burj Khalifa. We arrived at the Burj before dawn, ascending to one of its highest observation decks just in time to witness the sun rise over the sprawling metropolis and distant desert. It was magic—pure, unfiltered magic. The kind that reaches into your soul and stays with you forever.
Old Dubai: Stories Beyond the Skyscrapers
Despite the allure of modern Dubai, it was in Old Town where I found the city’s true heartbeat. We embarked on a walking tour with our guide, Zaed, who unraveled the history and traditions of the UAE before our eyes. He spoke passionately about Emirati customs, the country’s tax policies (or lack thereof), and its economic model, drawing comparisons to the U.S. that gave me a new perspective on governance and efficiency. I always relish hearing an outsider’s take on America—it forces me to see the bigger picture, to step outside my own perceptions.
A Desert Sojourn and Cultural Immersion
Beyond the urban splendor, the desert called. We ventured into the dunes for a classic dune bashing experience, followed by an evening at a traditional Bedouin-style camp. As the sun dipped below the golden sands, we indulged in a feast of grilled meats, fragrant rice, and decadent sweets while watching mesmerizing cultural performances. The rhythmic beats of Arabic music, the flickering firelight, and the vast, star-studded sky created a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was a moment of connection—not just to the place, but to something greater.
Final Reflections
The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi was perhaps the highlight of the trip, a breathtaking masterpiece of Islamic architecture and spirituality. Its sheer scale, intricate details, and tranquil atmosphere left a lasting impression on me. Throughout the UAE, I found myself falling in love with Arabic culture—the music, the hospitality, the artistry of their architecture.
As our time in the Emirates came to a close, I was eager to return home and put my experiences into words while they were still fresh in my mind. Storytelling is how I process travel—through my writing and, of course, through my lens. Another journey in the books, another collection of images that capture a world far from home, yet now a part of my own story.
Until the next adventure.
Contact me for prints: brandon@vannopics.com
