2020 was the year my family and I said goodbye to Dubai and the UAE. As a photographer the year started well, I had a promising year ahead of me with some really interesting clients lined up. We all know what happens next and it is still affecting freelancers and companies the world over.
The sudden drop in work and the tight restrictions really hit us hard and we took the big decision to move back to the UK. I had been in the UAE almost 9 years and looking back it was a tremendous time especially the last 4 years when I decided to venture out on my own. I focused on school photography as the main source of revenue but also getting involved with the more exciting world of commercial photography. It was with commercial photography I gained a huge amount of experience and worked alongside some incredibly talented photographers, videographers, producers and many more, working for some big brands like ZARA, Porsche, Forever Living to mention just a few. I was also lucky enough to be the official photographer for IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) for 4 years.
There was one company in particular I worked a lot with along with a previous work colleague. First & Ten Productions and James Baker. With them I have worked on some prestigious events such as Pope Francis’ visit to the UAE and the very first Catholic Mass held in a Muslim country. A Guinness world record for the largest firework in Ras Al Khaimah to a DJ set by world renowned Tiesto.
A Chapter I'll Always Treasure
Looking back, my time in the Middle East was not just a career move, but a life-changing experience that shaped both my personal and professional journey. It’s one of those decisions I’ll never forget and will always treasure. My years in Dubai weren’t just about work—they were about new beginnings, relationships, and personal growth. After all, it's where I met my wife and where our two children were born, making it a chapter of my life that will always be close to my heart.
Professionally, the Middle East was a place of immense opportunity and growth for me. The fast-paced environment, the incredible cultural diversity, and the drive for innovation in the region really pushed me as a photographer. I was fortunate to work with many clients across a wide range of events and each project helped me hone my craft. Over time, I developed a network of colleagues, clients, and friends who remain part of my life today, and I still maintain close contacts in Dubai.
What's Next?
For now, though, my focus has shifted to a new adventure. My family and I are settling into life in Oxford, and it’s been a refreshing change from the fast-paced world we were used to in the Middle East. The greenery, the rolling hills, the historic architecture—everything here feels like a breath of fresh air, quite literally! We’re enjoying long walks in the countryside, and I have to admit, even the cooler weather is a welcome change. The slower pace of life in Oxford has given us time to reconnect with nature and each other, and we’re soaking it all in.
Of course, with a new home comes new challenges. The hardest part now is getting back into work and starting to rebuild my network here in the UK, particularly in the Oxford and London areas. It’s a big shift after being so established in the Middle East, but I’m ready for it. There’s a lot of potential in Oxford and London—two cities full of creative energy and opportunity. I’ve already begun to explore the local photography scene, and I’m excited to connect with new clients, collaborate with other professionals, and bring my own unique perspective to the work I do here. It will take time to rebuild, but with the support of my family and the determination to keep pushing forward.
In many ways, the move feels like a full-circle moment: taking all that I’ve learned from my experiences abroad and bringing it back home, ready to embark on the next big adventure. With a fresh start in the UK and a wealth of experience behind me, I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.