Dubai & Abu Dhabi – skylines, luxury and quiet grandeur
From shimmering marinas and soaring towers in Dubai to palace hotels, waterfront evenings and the luminous beauty of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, this gallery brings together two cities shaped by ambition, elegance and atmosphere. Through this selection of travel photographs, Norwegian landscape and travel photographer Svein Magne Tunli captures a journey between modern spectacle, refined luxury and quieter moments of light, architecture and daily life across the UAE.
Burj Khalifa framed by palms, arches and reflecting pools in Downtown Dubai.
A traditional wooden dhow moored against the glass-and-steel skyline of Dubai Marina.
Late afternoon light over the beach and high-rise waterfront of JBR, Dubai.
Superyachts and shimmering towers lining the marina under a flawless Dubai sky.
Camel riders along the shoreline at golden hour, with Dubai’s waterfront skyline rising in the distance.
A candid street scene of daily life in Dubai, with traditional dress against a modern backdrop.
The famous waterfall installation inside Dubai Mall, with divers suspended in motion.
A superyacht and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab capturing the polished glamour of Dubai’s coastline.
Burj Al Arab illuminated at dusk, rising like a sail above the Arabian Gulf.
Festive winter décor inside Burj Al Arab, adding a theatrical seasonal touch to one of Dubai’s most lavish interiors.
Gold, glass and chandelier light inside Burj Al Arab, capturing the theatrical luxury of one of Dubai’s most iconic interiors.
Afternoon tea at the top of Burj Al Arab, served with sweeping views across the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s distant skyline.
Burj Khalifa soaring into drifting clouds above Downtown Dubai after dark.
The Downtown Dubai skyline mirrored across the lake in the blue hour.
Dubai Marina’s residential towers glowing above still water on a warm evening.
A blur of colour from a passing boat beneath the neon-lit towers of Dubai Marina.
Moored yachts and mirrored lights capturing the calm glamour of Dubai Marina at night.
Fireworks lighting up the beach and skyline in a blaze of colour on a festive night in Dubai.
Silhouetted figures on a Dubai beach at sunset, with glowing water and cranes on the horizon.
Warm lantern light and Arabian-inspired design creating an intimate evening atmosphere in Dubai.
A glowing floral display and festive lights bringing a theatrical touch to an elegant Dubai interior.
Palm-lit courtyards and striped tents creating an inviting Arabian evening setting in Dubai.
An Arabian-style outdoor buffet in Dubai, lit by lanterns and warm evening light.
Baskets of sweets, nuts and dried fruits presented in rich fabrics at a lavish Dubai display.
Still morning water, anchored boats and soft pastel light along the Abu Dhabi shore.
Etihad Towers and neighbouring high-rises lighting up the Abu Dhabi skyline.
Inside Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, where everyday moments unfold against a backdrop of remarkable luxury and grandeur.
Afternoon tea at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, where coffee is elevated to spectacle with chocolate art and a touch of gold.
Golden light, ornate interiors and festive décor inside Shangri-La Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
A grand waterfront hotel glowing softly across the water after nightfall, Abu Dhabi.
Fountains and warm palace lighting creating a cinematic evening scene in Abu Dhabi.
Floral columns and golden capitals leading the eye through the colonnade of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi.
The vast prayer hall of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, rich with detail and symmetry, Abu Dhabi.
The white domes of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque glowing at the edge of evening, Abu Dhabi.
The marble courtyard of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque shining under the night sky, Abu Dhabi.
A luminous colonnade and still water reflecting the elegance of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi.
A sheikh in a white kandura gazing across the water towards Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
All photographs in this project were taken by photographer Svein Magne Tunli.
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