A picturesque tribute to nation

Dubai: Some 40 Emirati photographers representing the UAE's 40th year submitted seven photos each, for the seven Emirates, in a book entitled The 40 Inspirationals of the Union.

The book was launched in a ceremony on Monday night gathering some of the best talents the country has to showcase.

The project was initiated by the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award which is working to place Dubai as a photography centre for the world. Henry Dallal, a member of the Board of Trustees said.

"The quality of photography in this book from local photographers in my opinion is fabulous. This is the foundation we are trying to build upon now for global recognition. The basis of it all is Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who is a passionate photographer himself. His passion brought this whole thing together." Shaikh Hamdan has contributed to book his own exclusive photographs which are never seen before.

Bader Al Awadi, President of the Emirates Photography Society, which has more than 500 members of all nationalities, hopes to see more of these initiatives.

‘Very proud'

"It's very good for young artists as well as those featured in the book because it [the book] will be distributed internationally, it will show what we have to offer. I am very proud of those who participated; I want them to be even more active."

Although a fewer number of female photographers participated, their skill and passion shone through. Young and ambitious, Mead, whose photographs were featured in the book, works out of her own studio. She said, "Everyone who loves the camera, loves to take these kinds of photos must study. They must learn the basics and they must expose themselves to other photographers. I always want to learn more and see more to become even better".

Saeed Juma, a veteran photographer working for the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority said: "It's an honour to take part in this event which focuses on photography and how it describes the UAE. The book reveals the culture, heritage, civilisation, the modern cities, as well as the past."

The first year for the event already a success, Juma said he hopes to see more for the next edition.

"I hope that they will make it better by including even more photographers. I want to see next year from westerners and other nationalities so they can share this experience with us and to see the other side, their vision of the UAE."