Photoshoot Locations in Abu Dhabi

Best Spots for Family, Maternity & Newborn Sessions

THe BEST 6 Photoshoot Locations in Abu Dhabi — Spots for Family, Maternity & Newborn Sessions

If you’re searching for the best photoshoot locations in Abu Dhabi, you’re in the right place. Choosing the right location shapes the entire mood of your outdoor family photoshoot, maternity session or newborn‑style lifestyle session. It influences how your children play, how you move, how you feel — and how your story unfolds.

All the places below are outdoor photoshoot locations in Abu Dhabi, perfect for natural, emotional and storytelling‑style photography.

Why Location Matters More Than You Think

When families reach out to me, they rarely start with: “Hi, we’re looking for a photographer.”

Most often, they ask: “Where is the best place for a photoshoot in Abu Dhabi?”

And that’s where the magic begins.

Because the right location doesn’t just give you a background — it shapes the entire mood of your session. It influences how your children play, how you move, how you feel, and how your story unfolds.

All the places below are outdoor locations, perfect for natural, emotional and storytelling‑style sessions. This guide is my personal list of the best 6 photoshoot locations in Abu Dhabi — places I trust, places I love, and places where families always feel comfortable and free.

1. ABU DHABI DESERT - GOLDEN, EMOTIONAL & CINEMATIC

The desert is the most iconic outdoor photoshoot Abu Dhabi location. The desert is where stories come alive. Golden dunes, warm tones and cinematic light create unforgettable storytelling. Children running down dunes, parents holding hands, wind in your hair, warm golden tones everywhere.

BEST FOR:

  • family sessions full of movement

  • maternity sessions with flowing dresses

  • motherhood storytelling

  • couples

LIGHT & BEST TIME:

Always sunset. The last 40–50 minutes before the sun disappears are pure magic.

FEES & PERMITS:

Most desert locations are free. Some private areas require permission — we choose the best spot for your session.

WHY I LOVE IT:

It’s emotional, cinematic and timeless. Every session here feels like a movie.

Planning a desert session? Read my complete guide to a family desert photoshoot in Abu Dhabi.

Girls running across the desert while their parents sit embracing in the background during a warm family session in Abu Dhabi.
Girls dancing on the desert at sunset during a warm family session in Abu Dhabi.

2. Reem Island Beach — Urban, Breezy & Minimal

Reem Island Beach is the perfect mix of soft sand, gentle waves and a touch of city skyline. It’s modern, minimal and incredibly photogenic — one of the most popular outdoor photoshoot Abu Dhabi locations.

BEST FOR:

  • playful family sessions
  • maternity sessions with a clean, modern feel
  • couples who want simplicit
  • playful storytelling

LIGHT & BEST TIME:

Sunset brings pastel colours and soft tones. Morning is quieter and cooler — perfect for families with small children.

FEES & PERMITS:

No official photography permit required at the time of writing, but rules can change with new developments. We always double‑check before your session.

WHY I LOVE IT:

It’s close, easy, beautiful — and perfect for families who want beach photos without traveling far.

See more of my outdoor family sessions in Abu Dhabi.

Parents with their child on Reem Island beach during a warm sunset family session in Abu Dhabi.
Mother sitting with her child on Reem Island beach during a warm lifestyle family session in Abu Dhabi.

3. Jubail Mangrove Park — Calm, Green & Dreamy Boardwalks

Jubail Mangrove Park is one of the most peaceful photoshoot locations in Abu Dhabi. Wooden boardwalks, soft greens and water reflections create a dreamy, intimate atmosphere.

BEST FOR:

  • family photoshoot Abu Dhabi
  • maternity photoshoot full of softness and intimacy
  • quiet family storytelling
  • motherhood storytelling with gentle moments

LIGHT & BEST TIME:

Golden hour is the hero here. The sun dips behind the mangroves, creating warm reflections on the water. Morning light is also beautiful — soft, clean and peaceful.

FEES & PERMITS:

  • Entry fee: AED 15 per adult
  • Photography permit: approx. AED 200 (required for professional sessions)
  • Booking: tickets can be booked online or purchased at the venue
  • Parking: free

OUTBOUND LINK:

Official website: https://www.jubailmangrovepark.ae/en/

WHY I LOVE IT:

It feels like stepping out of Abu Dhabi and into a quiet sanctuary. Perfect for families who want calm, nature and a little bit of magic.

Mangroves are one of my favourite spots for maternity photos.

Parents sitting on the wooden boardwalk in Jubail Island mangroves, with the mother lifting their son while the father looks at him with affection during a warm family session in Abu Dhabi.
Family hugging closely during a warm lifestyle session in the Jubail Island mangroves in Abu Dhabi.

4. Wahat Al Karama — Reflections, Architecture & Calm

Golden hour + blue hour. The stone surfaces glow, and the reflections become soft and dreamy. Wahat Al Karama is elegant, quiet and full of beautiful architectural lines. Architectural lines, calm reflections and soft golden light make Wahat Al Karama a unique Abu Dhabi photography location.

The reflective pool creates a stunning backdrop, especially at sunset.

BEST FOR:

  • couples
  • elegant family portraits
  • minimal, modern storytelling
  • family mini sessions

LIGHT & BEST TIME:

Golden hour + blue hour. The stone surfaces glow, and the reflections become soft and dreamy.

FEES & PERMITS:

Photography is generally allowed, but this is a memorial site — we shoot respectfully. 

WHY I LOVE IT:

It’s calm, clean and timeless. Perfect for families who want something elegant and different.

Family with three older children sitting at Wahat Al Karama and looking toward Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during a warm sunset session in Abu Dhabi. Best photoshoot locations in Abu Dhabi
Parents with their adult son during a warm portrait session at Wahat Al Karama, with the sunset glowing behind Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

5. Souq Al Mina — Colour, Texture & Real Life

Souq Al Mina is full of character — boats, crates, colours, textures. It’s not polished. It’s real. Raw textures, colourful boats and early morning light make Souq Al Mina one of the most unique photoshoot locations in Abu Dhabi. 

BEST FOR:

  • editorial family sessions
  • couples
  • branding
  • female portraits (soft, emotional, artistic)
  • maternity sessions (for women who want something bold, textured and unique)

LIGHT & BEST TIME:

Early morning is best — cooler, quieter and beautifully textured. Late afternoon can work too, but we avoid busy hours.

FEES & PERMITS:

No official fees, but this is a working area. Professional photography must be discreet and respectful.

WHY I LOVE IT:

It’s raw, colourful and full of life. Perfect for families who want storytelling with personality.

Woman sitting on the stone breakwater at Mina Port with a scenic view of Abu Dhabi skyline during a warm lifestyle portrait session.
Mother lifting her daughter up in the air during a warm lifestyle family session at Mina Port in Abu Dhabi.

6. Umm Al Emarat Park — Green, Soft & Family‑Friendly

This park is one of Abu Dhabi’s favourite family spots — and for good reason. Greenery, shade, soft light and plenty of space for children to explore. One of the most loved family photoshoot locations in Abu Dhabi. 

BEST FOR:

  • family sessions with lots of movement
  • motherhood storytelling
  • lifestyle portraits
  • smash cake minis — perfect for little ones who love exploring textures and tastes outdoors

LIGHT & BEST TIME:

Late afternoon is perfect. The trees filter the light, creating warm, soft shadows.

FEES & PERMITS:

  • Entry fee: AED 10 per person

  • No additional photography permit required for lifestyle sessions.

WHY I LOVE IT:

It feels real. Kids can run, parents can relax, and everything feels natural and warm.

Which Location Is Best for You?

  • Calm nature → Jubail Mangrove Park

  • Modern beach → Reem Island Beach

  • Elegant architecture → Wahat Al Karama

  • Green & family‑friendly → Umm Al Emarat Park

  • Colour & texture → Souq Al Mina

  • Cinematic storytelling → Abu Dhabi Desert

Each of these photoshoot locations in Abu Dhabi offers something unique — and together, they create the perfect backdrop for outdoor family, maternity and newborn‑style sessions. Your location should match your personality, your family’s energy and the story you want to tell.

Ready to Create Your Story?

If this guide helped you see Abu Dhabi differently, I’m so happy. The next step is simple:

Tell me how you want your photos to feel. Warm? Playful? Cinematic? Minimal?

From there, we’ll choose the perfect location and create a session that feels like you.