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The Desert Is Taking Over Dubai And Abu Dhabi, And The Photos Are Stunning

The Desert Is Taking Over Dubai And Abu Dhabi, And The Photos Are Stunning

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There is much more to the United Arab Emirates than the glitzy malls and skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Australian photographer Irenaeus Herok has spent some time out in the desert with a drone and has captured truly amazing photos there. With a background in design and fine arts, Irenaeus specializes in Portrait and Nature Photography, drawing his inspiration from old master paintings and cinema. His work contains both traditional and contemporary aspects, balancing technical precision with his own unique photography style.
The battle between nature and humans is rarely starker than here in the UAE. The barren yet beautiful landscape has been built over with eye-watering speed, as Dubai for example has grown from an unremarkable port town to a bustling metropolis in the space of a few short decades. Nature has a knack for striking back, however, and Irenaeus documents this with his surreal, apocalyptic aerial photos that show the desert slowly eating away at highways and settlements in the Emirates.
Scroll down below to check out the remarkable aerial photography shots for yourself, and vote for the most stunning pictures!

#1 Another Tree Saved (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Another Tree Saved (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
167points

#2 As Far As It Gets (United Arab Emirates)

As Far As It Gets (United Arab Emirates)
156points

#3 No One Said It Will Be An Easy Ride (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

No One Said It Will Be An Easy Ride (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
138points

#4 A Nice 4x4 Roundabout In Dubai. Shot On My Last Trip To UAE (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

A Nice 4x4 Roundabout In Dubai. Shot On My Last Trip To UAE (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
123points

#5 Resting After Training (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Resting After Training (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
122points

#6 Humans Vs Nature (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Humans Vs Nature (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
110points

#7 Quadra Oasis (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Quadra Oasis (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
106points

#8 Purple Roundabout (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Purple Roundabout (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
83points

#9 The Most Popular Game In The World Is Played Everywhere (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

The Most Popular Game In The World Is Played Everywhere (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
81points

#10 Sandy (Emirate Of Abu Dhabi)

Sandy (Emirate Of Abu Dhabi)
75points

#11 Desert City Sunset (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Desert City Sunset (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
55points

#12 Wandering Sands (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Wandering Sands (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
44points

#13 Clean Crossing Setup (United Arab Emirates)

Clean Crossing Setup (United Arab Emirates)
43points

#14 Tarmac Island (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Tarmac Island (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
41points

#15 Let’s Make It Easy (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Let’s Make It Easy (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
38points

#16 Wandering (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Wandering (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
36points

#17 Nature Wins. Again (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Nature Wins. Again (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
33points

#18 Wandering Around (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Wandering Around (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
32points

#19 Desert Highway (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Desert Highway (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
30points

#20 That’s Where I Want To Be Today (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

That’s Where I Want To Be Today (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
28points
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