Photography trip to United Arab Emirates — every frame a gift

I came to United Arab Emirates specifically for photography and the country delivered material at every turn. Palm Jumeirah at dawn was everything I'd hoped. Sharjah's streets at dusk are an endless source of light and texture. The people, once comfortable with a camera, are extraordinary subjects.

world-class shopping gave me some of my favourite images of the year. The only practical note: brutal summer heat — plan around it. Otherwise this is a photographer's dream. I've rarely come home with so much usable material from a single trip.