Aerial view over Dubai from Media City

Aerial view over Dubai from Media City. By Altamash Javed

It’s hard to deny that Dubai has done a great job at promoting itself, and is seen as an example of the potential of the region. If you’re coming from abroad, the marketing is so good that your head is already teeming with images and places you want to see.

But when I was approached for this project, I made sure to show you what you might not typically see. I was born and raised in the Middle East. I have been a resident of Dubai since 2004. My curiosity of its history drives much of where I went to take these photographs. I documented in a way that every picture would be a bit of a surprise and/or history lesson.

From fishnet-manufacturing in Warsan, to documenting the Rashid Tower, which was once the tallest building in the GCC for the longest time (interestingly it was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1979), I wanted to show Dubai in a way I would show someone coming for the first time.

I hope you enjoy the snippet of this city, with the knowledge that there’s so much more to this place than meets the eye.