There is much more to the United Arab Emirates than the glitzy malls and skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Australian photographer Irenaeus Herok has spent some time out in the desert with a drone and has captured truly amazing photos there. With a background in design and fine arts, Irenaeus specializes in Portrait and Nature Photography, drawing his inspiration from old master paintings and cinema. His work contains both traditional and contemporary aspects, balancing technical precision with his own unique photography style.

The battle between nature and humans is rarely starker than here in the UAE. The barren yet beautiful landscape has been built over with eye-watering speed, as Dubai for example has grown from an unremarkable port town to a bustling metropolis in the space of a few short decades. Nature has a knack for striking back, however, and Irenaeus documents this with his surreal, apocalyptic aerial photos that show the desert slowly eating away at highways and settlements in the Emirates.

Scroll down below to check out the remarkable aerial photography shots for yourself, and vote for the most stunning pictures!

More info: Irenaeus Herok | Instagram | Behance