Honoring Partners and Participants, On its second day, Fujairah Photography Award captivates audiences with diverse artistic and heritage performances
The second day of Cycle Seven of Fujairah Photography Award (FPA) featured a diverse array of artistic and cultural events at Art House, affiliated with Fujairah Culture & Media Authority (FCMA). The events combined visual creativity with authentic Emirati heritage. The Organizing Committee honored a group of strategic partners, government entities and supporting participants in recognition of their role in the success of the events, which were attended by an elite group of local and international photographers and artists.
Nicola Bittoni, Italian photographer and director, delivered a workshop titled “From Chaos to Creativity,” in which he recounted his artistic journey that began in Tanzania—where nature served as his first source of inspiration and fueled his passion for photography as a medium of self-expression. He also highlighted the idea of transforming chaos into stability and creativity through the innovative use of photographic techniques, noting the role of Artificial Intelligence in broadening the artistic horizons when applied thoughtfully and used optimally.
Furthermore, Emirati photographer Salma Al Suwaidi, a specialist in wildlife photography, presents an exhibition as part of five exhibitions featured in Cycle Seven of FPA. Her exhibition showcases 15 photographs documenting the nests and birds of the UAE, including flamingos, hoopoes and owls. These photographs are drawn from her book, “Common Birds and their Nests in the United Arab Emirates,” a project 14 years in the making. In this book, she documented the local wildlife despite environmental challenges and mobility difficulties, as she is a person of determination. Through her exhibition, she seeks to highlight the beauty of UAE’s nature and promote awareness of environmental preservation.
Meanwhile, photographer Javed Qureshi presents a photography exhibition of +50 images chronicling the journey and development of the Emirate of Fujairah since the 1970s. Qureshi began his artistic journey in 1974, coinciding with the appointment of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi as Crown Prince of Fujairah, becoming one of the first photographers to document the features of development in the Emirate through his lens.
His exhibition takes visitors on a visual journey that blends nostalgia and history, featuring rare photographs of His Highness and his esteemed sons, as well as scenes from the daily life and national occasions across the Emirate. It offers an authentic portrayal of Fujairah’s landscapes and heritage, reaffirming the power of photography in preserving history.
In a vibrant artistic atmosphere, students from Fujairah Fine Arts Academy presented captivating musical performances ranging from Eastern to Western compositions, lending a unique artistic flair to the event. Al Qirriya Ayyala and Folk Arts Troupe also dazzled the audience with a joyful heritage performance that embodied the authentic Emirati identity. The event embraced traditional elements as well, with the Emirati heritage cuisine corner drawing visitors through its variety of traditional dishes and flavors, complemented by showcases of handicrafts and maritime arts. Additionally, the falconer and coffeemaker corner drew the attention of attendees with live displays of falcons and the art of preparing Arabic coffee, offering a vivid portrayal of Emirati generosity and ancient national heritage.
The events of Cycle Seven of FPA continue daily at Art House from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and will conclude tomorrow evening, Saturday, with a lineup of artistic activities celebrating the art of photography and its aesthetic appeal, along with heritage events.
