These photos reveal the splendours of Abu Dhabi

“It was a pleasant surprise to witness such a beautiful foggy morning in the desert and this swan at the lake welcomed my presence,” says Your Shot photographer Neelima Azad of Al Ain, an oasis city known for its natural springs. “This will forever remain as one of my favourite places.”

Your Shot photographer Kertu Saarits was visiting a Bedouin camp near Abu Dhabi when she saw this large camel stretching its neck over a canvas fence. “I spent a moment petting her nose before I noticed a man brushing her hump,” she says. “The line of her back, blue sky, and a handsome man made for a great click.”

The Etihad Towers pierce through a sea of clouds, creating a dreamlike vista. “I chose to capture my friend in it, to reflect the Emirati’s contemplations, visions, and how he worked through the impossible to accomplish astonishing achievements,” writes Your Shot photographer Khalid Al Hammadi.

Abu Dhabi’s rolling hills and sandy valleys are a perfect location for dune bashing, and several tour operators offer day trips. “When it's winter, golden hours are amazing, [with] great weather to enjoy outdoor activities until sunset,” says Your Shot photographer Khawla Al Hameli.

Millions of people visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque every year. Designed by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky using Persian, Mughal, and Moorish influences, it took 12 years to complete and is the third largest mosque in the world.

Vibrant floral patterns, designed by British artist and illustrator Kevin Dean, blanket the walls and floors of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. “I liked the way the man blended into the surroundings,” explains Your Shot photographer Richard Smith.

People gather before iftar, the evening meal during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

A kayaker glides through the channels of Abu Dhabi’s natural mangrove forests.

Abu Dhabi boasts miles of sun-baked beaches, turquoise waters, and an endless array of water activities.

Celebrations are held across the country for National Day on December 2 to recognize the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. “[The] Al Fursan aerobatic team performs their show-ending spiral along the Abu Dhabi corniche with the skyline as a perfect backdrop,” writes Your Shot photographer Andy Anderson.

Masdar City is a sustainable development which began construction in 2008. The design employs a combination of ancient and modern architectural techniques for natural cooling and solar energy with the goal of becoming one of the world’s most sustainable cities.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a museum that showcases cultural achievements spanning prehistory to present. “The structure is so magnificent that the ceiling is made in such a way for sunlight to pass through the holes to create a nice play of light,” writes Your Shot photographer Sreeranj Sreedhar. “This area is called Rain of Light. I found this man in the light a nice subject against the backdrop of the fine architecture.”

“This [is] one of the beautiful places near Al Wathba Camel Race Track,” writes Your Shot Photographer Shyjith Cheriyath. “Camel groups and herders pass through this area during their daily practice.” Races are held at the track, where spectators gather on weekends to watch camels gallop at high speeds.