Dubai has rapidly positioned itself as a regional hub for creativity and visual arts, driving a strong demand for professional photography skills. As a result, photography classes in Dubai have expanded significantly, catering to beginners, enthusiasts, professionals, and niche specialists.
Whether you want to learn the basics of camera handling, master wedding photography, develop fashion photography expertise, or explore online home-study courses, Dubai offers a diverse range of academies, workshops, and private sessions. This guide breaks down the best photography classes in Dubai for 2025, covering top academies, niche courses, online options, pricing comparisons, and frequently asked questions.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Top Photography Schools and Academies in Dubai
- Comparison of Popular Courses
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Top Photography Schools and Academies in Dubai
Dubai’s photography schools focus on practical, hands-on learning, often emphasising specialised skills and portfolio development.
- Moutasem Academy
Moutasem Academy is one of Dubai’s most recognised names for private photography and videography training. It offers a wide range of one-on-one courses tailored to different photography niches.
- Beginner Photography Course: 5 hours, AED 1,900
- Advanced for Beginners: 7.5 hours, AED 2,900
- Wedding/Event Photography & Video: 12.5 hours, AED 7,000
- Fashion Photography (BASIC): 6 hours, AED 4,000; (PRO): 10 hours, AED 6,500
- Portrait Photography (BASIC): 5 hours, AED 2,700; (PRO): 10 hours, AED 4,900
- Product Photography (PRO): 10 hours, AED 5,600
- Real Estate Photography: 10 hours, AED 4,900
- Other specialised courses: Newborn (AED 5,500), Food Styling (AED 4,700), Pets (AED 3,800), and custom courses up to AED 13,600 (20 hours)
- Best For: Beginners to professionals, niche-focused photography skills
- Location:
It is located in Tower, Bayswater – Business Bay – Dubai
- Contact Number: 056 921 0000
- Consultation: AED 300 for 30 min
Moutasem Academy stands out for its broad range of specialised courses, making it ideal for learners seeking targeted skills in wedding photography, fashion, or food styling.
- Canadian University Dubai (CUD)
Canadian University Dubai offers professional advanced photography training, focusing on camera techniques, lighting, composition, and portfolio creation.
- Course Details: 15 hours over 5 sessions (3 hours each)
- Key Topics: Exposure triangle, lenses, composition, lighting, portrait photography, food photography, events photography, portfolio building
- Fees: Contact for pricing
- Location:
It is located in City Walk – Al Wasl – Dubai
- Contact: 800 69283
CUD’s program is structured and ideal for learners seeking a professional and academically recognised certificate.
- The Photography Institute
For those preferring online or home-study options, The Photography Institute offers flexible courses accessible in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Highlights: Exposure, composition, assignments, and practical confidence with professional cameras
- Fees: Enrol per week or month; 7-day refund policy
- Location:
It is located in 04th Floor, Nassima Tower – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre First – Dubai
This option is ideal for learners seeking self-paced photography training without attending in-person classes.
- Paul Reiffer Photography Workshops
Paul Reiffer offers luxury private workshops with an experiential focus, including cityscapes, aerial photography, long exposures, and desert dunes.
- Locations: Rooftops, Burj Al Arab beach, desert 4×4, helicopter shoots over Palm Jumeirah, downtown skyscrapers
- Fees: Custom pricing; includes luxury accommodation
- Address: Various Dubai locations
These workshops are suitable for experienced photographers looking for immersive, high-end photography experiences.
- SAE Dubai
SAE Dubai provides a 3-week on-campus introductory photography course with weekly practice assignments.
- Outcomes: Hardware and software proficiency, independent photography practice
- Fees: Not specified
- Location:
It is located in Block 2, Ground Floor, Dubai Knowledge Park
- Contact: 04 360 6456
SAE’s course is ideal for beginners seeking structured, campus-based learning.
- FAD International Academy
FAD offers a one-year intensive fashion and commercial photography program with practical shoots, editing, portfolio development, and industry exposure.
- Highlights: International curriculum, optional Europe tour, Milan/Dubai semester abroad, freelance opportunities
- Fees: Not specified
- Location:
It is located in M06/07, Building 7 – Dubai Design District – Dubai
- Contact: 050 700 2956
Perfect for aspiring fashion photographers who want long-term, career-focused training.
- Gulf Photo Plus
Gulf Photo Plus provides workshops, photo walks, and private classes across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, suitable for learners wanting short-term, skill-specific courses.
- Fees: Varies by workshop
- Location:
It is located in Gulf Photo Plus, Alserkal Avenue – Warehouse 36, 17th St, Al Quoz Ind. first – AL quiz – Dubai
- Contact: 04 380 8545
This option works well for casual learners or hobbyists looking to improve skills in a flexible environment.
Comparison of Popular Courses
The following table provides a quick comparison of popular photography courses in Dubai, highlighting course types, durations, fees, and the best-suited learners.
| Provider | Course Type | Duration | Fees (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moutasem Academy | Private Specialised (e.g., Wedding) | 5-20 hours | 1,800-13,600 | Niche skills, beginners to pro |
| CUD | Professional Training | 15 hours | Contact for info | Advanced lighting/composition |
| Photography Institute | Online Home Study | Flexible | Per week/month | Self-paced fundamentals |
| Paul Reiffer | Luxury Workshops | Custom | Custom luxury | Cityscape/desert adventures |
| SAE Dubai | Intro Course | 3 weeks | Not listed | Beginners on-campus |
Key Takeaways
Moutasem Academy stands out in Dubai with over 30 specialised private photography courses, offering fees that range from AED 1,800 for a basic passport photo course to AED 13,600 for fully customised programmes, making it ideal for learners seeking targeted skills. Canadian University Dubai (CUD) and SAE provide structured on-campus programs, with CUD particularly emphasising advanced techniques and awarding a certificate upon completion.
For those seeking flexibility, The Photography Institute offers comprehensive online courses, while Paul Reiffer delivers luxury, experiential photography workshops across iconic Dubai locations. FAD International Academy offers long-term training in fashion and commercial photography, while Gulf Photo Plus is well-suited for casual workshops and short-term skill enhancement. As most providers do not publicly list exact addresses, it is recommended to contact them directly, and note that fees can vary significantly depending on the course type, duration, and level of personalisation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Moutasem Academy’s entry-level courses, such as Beginner Photography (5 hours, AED 1,900) and Passport/ID courses (AED 1,800), are the most budget-friendly.
Yes, The Photography Institute offers comprehensive home-study courses with flexible enrolment.
Moutasem Academy provides dedicated Wedding/Event Photography courses (AED 4,200-7,000).
Canadian University Dubai issues a Certificate of Completion; other providers focus primarily on skill-building and portfolios.
Moutasem Academy’s Beginner courses, SAE’s 3-week introductory program, or The Photography Institute’s self-paced online course are all great starting points.
