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- Kavan Choksi has worked in the UAE, UK, and France as a freelance photographer. He specializes in capturing cityscapes, architectural wonders, and thoughtfully designed interiors. Kavan Choksi, when he's visiting the UAE, enjoys trying local restaurants when he's not busy with his projects.edit
The United Arab Emirates is a country that is constantly evolving. It is known to promote technology, innovation, and development. Every year, thousands of travelers visit the country to see the world's most luxurious skyscrapers and... more
The United Arab Emirates is a country that is constantly evolving. It is known to promote technology, innovation, and development. Every year, thousands of travelers visit the country to see the world's most luxurious skyscrapers and hotels. However, according to freelance photographer Kavan Choksi, the best way to experience the UAE is via its excellent and unique cuisine.
Traditional Emirati food is something everyone should taste at least once in their life. Much like anywhere in the world, Emirati food reflects the region's culture, traditions, resources, and climate. The cuisine has seen changes from one generation to another, thanks to the influx of ex-pats who have set up their lives in the country. Even with different iterations of beloved dishes, many restaurants in the UAE uphold the culture through food.
Breakfast
Baleelat is an Emirati breakfast food that doubles as a dessert. Made with sweet vermicelli, cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, rose water, orange blossom, and omelet, baleelat is a staple in every Emirati celebration. Believed by many to be the softest bread in the world, khameer bread is best served with butter or cream inside. Other breakfast foods include dango, khubz regag, and chabab bread.
Lunch
Thereed is a well-loved and well-known iftar dish in the Emirates, shares Kavan Choksi. It's light on the stomach, making it the choice food to break a fast. Lamb Ouzi is a sumptuous rice dish made with lamb meat, almonds, pine nuts, and spices. Other traditional Emirati lunch choices include Machboos, Samak Mashwi, and Hareeth.
Dessert
There is no doubt that Emiratis excel in making desserts. Aseeda is an incredible dessert made from pumpkin, cardamom, flour, sugar, and saffron. The pudding is slightly sweet but definitely, a winner, especially with honey, rose water, and nuts for garnish and flavor. Luqaimat are fried dumplings made from flour, butter, milk, and sugar. These sweet dumplings are drenched in date syrup and served with sesame seed garnishing, explains Kavan Choksi.
Traditional Emirati food is something everyone should taste at least once in their life. Much like anywhere in the world, Emirati food reflects the region's culture, traditions, resources, and climate. The cuisine has seen changes from one generation to another, thanks to the influx of ex-pats who have set up their lives in the country. Even with different iterations of beloved dishes, many restaurants in the UAE uphold the culture through food.
Breakfast
Baleelat is an Emirati breakfast food that doubles as a dessert. Made with sweet vermicelli, cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, rose water, orange blossom, and omelet, baleelat is a staple in every Emirati celebration. Believed by many to be the softest bread in the world, khameer bread is best served with butter or cream inside. Other breakfast foods include dango, khubz regag, and chabab bread.
Lunch
Thereed is a well-loved and well-known iftar dish in the Emirates, shares Kavan Choksi. It's light on the stomach, making it the choice food to break a fast. Lamb Ouzi is a sumptuous rice dish made with lamb meat, almonds, pine nuts, and spices. Other traditional Emirati lunch choices include Machboos, Samak Mashwi, and Hareeth.
Dessert
There is no doubt that Emiratis excel in making desserts. Aseeda is an incredible dessert made from pumpkin, cardamom, flour, sugar, and saffron. The pudding is slightly sweet but definitely, a winner, especially with honey, rose water, and nuts for garnish and flavor. Luqaimat are fried dumplings made from flour, butter, milk, and sugar. These sweet dumplings are drenched in date syrup and served with sesame seed garnishing, explains Kavan Choksi.
Research Interests:
Travelers have different reasons for staying in a hotel. Some book a room for business purposes, while others do so for leisure. Meanwhile, there are those who like booking hotels to enjoy the buildings' aesthetics and amenities. On that... more
Travelers have different reasons for staying in a hotel. Some book a room for business purposes, while others do so for leisure. Meanwhile, there are those who like booking hotels to enjoy the buildings' aesthetics and amenities. On that note, Dubai is home to some of the most visually pleasing hotels in the world. Freelance photographer Kavan Choksi is here to recommend a few Instagram-worthy Dubai hotels.
Burj Al Arab
Because it was once voted one of the most Instagrammable hotels across the globe, Burj Al Arab has to be on this list. The Burj Al Arab hotel is stunning inside and out. Its exterior is renowned for its distinctive sail-shaped design. Inside, tourists cannot help but feel they are in a palace straight out of a fairytale.
Bab Al Shams
Dubai is known for many things, including its topography, which consists of sandy deserts. As such, spending some time on a desert adventure should be on your list of things to do when going to the emirate. Bab Al Shams is a low-lying Arabian-inspired hotel and resort surrounded by a desert ecosystem. Kavan Choksi recommends it for shutterbugs as the exquisite location with the sunset as the background will provide plenty of material for their shots.
XVA Art Hotel
In the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, XVA Art Hotel is a small boutique hotel filled with Arabian artwork and designed with a classy minimalist touch. The best places to capture photos are the leafy courtyards that take you back in time or the art gallery, which attracts eclectic crowds whenever there are exhibit openings and art fairs.
V Hotel Dubai
While Dubai has shown its love for its cultural and historical roots, the emirate is known for keeping an eye on the future. V Hotel Dubai exemplifies this characteristic. The five-star hotel combines avant-garde and ultramodern designs with first-class service. According to Kavan Choksi, photographers should head to the lobby for Instagram-worthy photo opportunities as the area provides a great view of Dubai Creek and the Persian Gulf.
Burj Al Arab
Because it was once voted one of the most Instagrammable hotels across the globe, Burj Al Arab has to be on this list. The Burj Al Arab hotel is stunning inside and out. Its exterior is renowned for its distinctive sail-shaped design. Inside, tourists cannot help but feel they are in a palace straight out of a fairytale.
Bab Al Shams
Dubai is known for many things, including its topography, which consists of sandy deserts. As such, spending some time on a desert adventure should be on your list of things to do when going to the emirate. Bab Al Shams is a low-lying Arabian-inspired hotel and resort surrounded by a desert ecosystem. Kavan Choksi recommends it for shutterbugs as the exquisite location with the sunset as the background will provide plenty of material for their shots.
XVA Art Hotel
In the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, XVA Art Hotel is a small boutique hotel filled with Arabian artwork and designed with a classy minimalist touch. The best places to capture photos are the leafy courtyards that take you back in time or the art gallery, which attracts eclectic crowds whenever there are exhibit openings and art fairs.
V Hotel Dubai
While Dubai has shown its love for its cultural and historical roots, the emirate is known for keeping an eye on the future. V Hotel Dubai exemplifies this characteristic. The five-star hotel combines avant-garde and ultramodern designs with first-class service. According to Kavan Choksi, photographers should head to the lobby for Instagram-worthy photo opportunities as the area provides a great view of Dubai Creek and the Persian Gulf.
Research Interests:
The UAE has many popular attractions which appeal to travelers from all over the world. However, there are several hidden destinations across the country that are more than worth the stop. In this post, freelance photographer Kavan Choksi... more
The UAE has many popular attractions which appeal to travelers from all over the world. However, there are several hidden destinations across the country that are more than worth the stop. In this post, freelance photographer Kavan Choksi explores three hidden gems in the UAE that you simply can’t miss.
Hatta Secret Pools
The view you'll witness at Hatta differs significantly from standard fare in the UAE. A mountain range, rock pools, and waterfalls are just a few of the glorious sites you'll see. While a visa to Oman is now required, it's very easy to obtain if you are a current UAE visa holder. Whether you're traveling with friends or with family, there's something everyone can enjoy. You can go biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain views.
Umm Al Quwain Mangroves
If you're from Dubai or Sharjah, you can get to this mangrove beach by car in less than an hour. Kavan Choksi says that one of the good things about the beach is that management ensures that the natural resources and fragile ecosystems are protected. Visitors also have a chance to see diverse species of wildlife such as flamingos and various fish. Umm Al Quwain is open for camping year-round, making it a good place for families and groups of friends to visit.
Al Ain Oasis
The Al Ain Oasis is a UNESCO Heritage Site that has preserved the country's culture and natural beauty. With various varieties of plants, animals, and other wildlife, it showcases the rich ecosystem that can only be found in the UAE. Travelers can see an ancient irrigation system called the falaj, a structure that was used heavily across Middle Eastern countries throughout the distant past. Kavan Choksi suggests that tourists who want to immerse themselves in Emirati culture, tradition, and agriculture must visit this significant landmark.
Hatta Secret Pools
The view you'll witness at Hatta differs significantly from standard fare in the UAE. A mountain range, rock pools, and waterfalls are just a few of the glorious sites you'll see. While a visa to Oman is now required, it's very easy to obtain if you are a current UAE visa holder. Whether you're traveling with friends or with family, there's something everyone can enjoy. You can go biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain views.
Umm Al Quwain Mangroves
If you're from Dubai or Sharjah, you can get to this mangrove beach by car in less than an hour. Kavan Choksi says that one of the good things about the beach is that management ensures that the natural resources and fragile ecosystems are protected. Visitors also have a chance to see diverse species of wildlife such as flamingos and various fish. Umm Al Quwain is open for camping year-round, making it a good place for families and groups of friends to visit.
Al Ain Oasis
The Al Ain Oasis is a UNESCO Heritage Site that has preserved the country's culture and natural beauty. With various varieties of plants, animals, and other wildlife, it showcases the rich ecosystem that can only be found in the UAE. Travelers can see an ancient irrigation system called the falaj, a structure that was used heavily across Middle Eastern countries throughout the distant past. Kavan Choksi suggests that tourists who want to immerse themselves in Emirati culture, tradition, and agriculture must visit this significant landmark.
Research Interests:
According to avid traveler and freelance photographer Kavan Choksi, many of the best images are in monochrome or black and white. If you're a photographer who loves black and white images or someone simply interested in trying out this... more
According to avid traveler and freelance photographer Kavan Choksi, many of the best images are in monochrome or black and white.
If you're a photographer who loves black and white images or someone simply interested in trying out this type of photography, then read on for tips on taking great monochrome photographs.
1. Use the right equipment
While you can technically use any camera to take black and white photos, it's worth investing in a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a monochrome mode if you want the best results. This will give you more control over the final image, allowing you to tweak settings like contrast, sharpness, and exposure.
2. Play with light and shadow
One of the great things about black and white photography is the ability to play with light and shadow. Experiment with different lighting conditions, using natural and artificial light, to see how it affects the final image.
3. Look for interesting textures and patterns
Another advantage of black and white photography is that it can help accentuate interesting textures and patterns. Kavan Choksi recommends looking for subjects with attention-grabbing lines or shapes and anything with a lot of contrast.
4. Use a fast shutter speed
When photographing moving subjects, such as people or animals, it's essential to use a fast shutter speed to avoid blurring. A general rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second.
5. Know when to convert to black and white
Finally, Kavan Choksi explains that not every photo will look better in black and white. Sometimes, it's best to stick with the original colors, especially if they are a vital part of the image. Use your own judgment to decide when the conversion will improve the photo or when it will just end up looking like a gimmick.
If you're a photographer who loves black and white images or someone simply interested in trying out this type of photography, then read on for tips on taking great monochrome photographs.
1. Use the right equipment
While you can technically use any camera to take black and white photos, it's worth investing in a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a monochrome mode if you want the best results. This will give you more control over the final image, allowing you to tweak settings like contrast, sharpness, and exposure.
2. Play with light and shadow
One of the great things about black and white photography is the ability to play with light and shadow. Experiment with different lighting conditions, using natural and artificial light, to see how it affects the final image.
3. Look for interesting textures and patterns
Another advantage of black and white photography is that it can help accentuate interesting textures and patterns. Kavan Choksi recommends looking for subjects with attention-grabbing lines or shapes and anything with a lot of contrast.
4. Use a fast shutter speed
When photographing moving subjects, such as people or animals, it's essential to use a fast shutter speed to avoid blurring. A general rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second.
5. Know when to convert to black and white
Finally, Kavan Choksi explains that not every photo will look better in black and white. Sometimes, it's best to stick with the original colors, especially if they are a vital part of the image. Use your own judgment to decide when the conversion will improve the photo or when it will just end up looking like a gimmick.
