This Photographer Captures a Dubai You’ve Never Imagined

With hues of cornflower blue, cotton-candy pink, and vibrant pumpkin orange, Preet Uday’s photographs of Dubai evoke a nostalgic longing for a simpler time.

While most photographers highlight the grandeur and scale that define modern Dubai—its soaring skyscrapers, endless sand dunes, and sweeping coastlines—Uday’s distinctive photos transport viewers to a more serene and nostalgic era.

Uday reveals that people from across the globe have reached out to him, sharing their emotional response to his work. 'They say the images take them back to another time,' he explains. 'It brings them a sense of warmth and happiness, reminding them of their childhood—a feeling that transcends borders.'

A Different Side of Dubai

In stark contrast to Dubai’s gleaming steel and glass skyline, Uday captures the quieter, humbler moments of the city. He didn’t intentionally seek to reveal this other side, but it emerged naturally in his work. Originally from Secunderabad, India, Uday, now 46, moved to Dubai in the early 2000s. 'I grew up in the 90s, so I think that era subtly influences my photography,' he shares.

Uday enjoys creating images that abstract the scene, often showing just a small fragment of a larger whole. This approach allows him to capture a universal feeling or longing, while keeping the geographic identity somewhat elusive. 'There’s a surreal quality to that; it feels like it’s from another place,' he explains.

His photographs evoke a sense of being in a different place or time. Perhaps it’s the vintage cars he often captures that contribute to this nostalgic aura. Though Uday wouldn’t describe himself as a classic car enthusiast, he admires their design and beauty and frequently discovers at least one classic vehicle while shooting around the city.

A Gentle Perspective

A professional portrait photographer, Uday says his newfound passion for landscape photography began during the stillness of the pandemic lockdowns.

'During the Covid lockdown, everything came to a halt and my business dried up,' he recalls. 'With plenty of free time on my hands, I started wandering the streets, taking photos, and sharing them online. For some reason, these images began to draw attention.'

In the past two years, Uday’s work has gained significant traction on social media, and his following continues to grow steadily.

'What draws me in first is color,' Uday explains. 'Color schemes, minimalism, and a sense of simplicity in a scene are what I find most compelling.'

Although his images have the nostalgic feel of film photography, Uday’s work is entirely shot with a digital camera. 'Lately, I’ve even started experimenting with my iPhone,' he says.

Before capturing a particular neighborhood, Uday takes the time to stroll through it, absorbing its atmosphere. He believes this method results in more authentic, personal images. 'It helps you notice the subtle details of the area and the way people live,' Uday explains. 'It also reveals the unique color palette that defines each space.'

Though he only began experimenting with this style in 2020, Uday has already exhibited his work at several Dubai galleries and is contemplating publishing a photo book. 'I could easily create two or three books,' he chuckles. 'That’s how many photos I have.'

'I feel like I’ve only just begun exploring this style,' says Uday. 'There are countless color schemes and images in my mind, all waiting to come to life.'