Burj Khalifa Lake
The Burj Khalifa Lake sits at the foot of the world's tallest building, giving you a reflective water surface that doubles the drama of the tower and the surrounding Downtown Dubai skyline. The most iconic composition places the full reflection of the Burj Khalifa in the still water between fountain shows, so time your arrival early before crowds fill the promenade. Shoot from the waterfront walkway near the Dubai Mall entrance for a straight-on view, or move toward the Souk Al Bahar bridge for an elevated angle with interesting foreground arches. Blue hour is the sweet spot here, when the tower lights up and the sky holds just enough color to balance the artificial lighting. A wide-angle lens handles the full scene well, but a short telephoto lets you isolate the tower and its reflection more cleanly. Arrive early on fountain show nights to secure a front-row position. (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
