American Photography 29 Winners

Desert Dreams: United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, one from a series for the feature "Desert Dreams: United Arab Emirates," July 2012. A country in constant change, a once an obscure Gulf nation, the UAE has in just 40 years emerged from the desert sands. The substantial growth from the oil-driven development has transformed the local semi-nomadic bedouin society into a culture anchored in international business, tourism and luxury. This ambitious growth has attracted expatriates from across the world to the point where they now make up 85 percent of the population. The modern identity of the Emirates is evolving through this constant influx of foreign influences. My ongoing series of images form a portrait of the Emirates where the coexistence of cultures often leave behind a surreal and unexpected environment.

Desert Dreams: United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, one from a series for the feature "Desert Dreams: United Arab Emirates," July 2012. A country in constant change, a once an obscure Gulf nation, the UAE has in just 40 years emerged from the desert sands. The substantial growth from the oil-driven development has transformed the local semi-nomadic bedouin society into a culture anchored in international business, tourism and luxury. This ambitious growth has attracted expatriates from across the world to the point where they now make up 85 percent of the population. The modern identity of the Emirates is evolving through this constant influx of foreign influences. My ongoing series of images form a portrait of the Emirates where the coexistence of cultures often leave behind a surreal and unexpected environment.