Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
A camera can freeze a fraction of a second, but that moment can carry the story for generations.
What may seem like an everyday photograph today could, decades from now, become part of the UAE's visual history.
Marking World Photography Day on August 19, Aletihad spoke to Emirati photographers documenting everything from fishing boats and palm farms to family gatherings and traditional crafts.
For Salem Alsawafi, photography brings the UAE's past and present together in one frame.
He pointed to Qasr Al Hosn, surrounded by the modern Abu Dhabi skyline, and Al Ain's oases, aflaj and palm farms within the city, as examples of how development and heritage can co-exist in a single frame.
"I believe photography plays a major role in documenting the UAE's journey and the development we are experiencing, especially because a single image can bring the past and present together in one frame.
"When we compare old photographs with modern ones, we can see the scale of the enormous change the UAE has gone through," he said.
Alsawafi encourages photographers to document palm farms, aflaj, maritime life, souqs, falconry, traditional crafts and historic places.
"These details could change significantly in 20 or 30 years, and that is where the value of a photograph as a document for the future becomes clear," he said.
For Alsawafi, photography is ultimately about preserving stories and memories.
"Photography for me is not just a beautiful picture. It documents a moment, a story and a memory that can live for many years."
His advice for photographers is to look for meaning behind the image.
"Do not just search for the beautiful photograph. Search for the story and the moment that deserve to remain for future generations."
Saoud Karmastaji sees photography as a bridge between generations, documenting the UAE's development while preserving the stories behind its places.
"A photograph takes us on a journey through time and leaves a visual imprint of a particular period, helping carry its story across generations," he said.
For Karmastaji, old photographs of Abu Dhabi and his family revive deeply personal memories.
"When I look at some old photographs of Abu Dhabi or family photographs, I remember the smell and sound of the place, the noise of the majlis and the feeling of being among family."
He said old photographs preserve the UAE's everyday traditions, values and memories for future generations.
"A photograph does not only preserve what we used to see, but sometimes brings back what we used to feel."
He encourages photographers to capture everyday life, from neighbourhoods and ports to majlises, weddings and traditional crafts.
"One of the responsibilities of a photographer is to photograph today what people will search for tomorrow," added Karmastaji.
For Abdulrahman Al Ketbi, photography carries the UAE's stories and heritage across generations.
"Photography is not only about immortalising a moment; it is the memory of a place and the memory of a person."
He believes photographers have a responsibility to document their country and share it the world.
"I see it as a national duty for every photographer to document the development of their country through their own perspective while also strengthening heritage through their lens."
He particularly focuses on documenting traditional crafts within families and communities.
"If you see a traditional craft practised by your grandfather, father or a relative, document it and share it with other countries and cultures.
"Create a beautiful window onto your country through which the world can look. It is a responsibility and a national mission," he added.
Saif Almessabi believes everyday scenes deserve the same attention as major landmarks.
"Some of the details we see today may change or disappear in the future, but the photograph will continue to preserve them.
"What we consider ordinary today could change or disappear over the years, and photographs will remain as witnesses, preserving those details."
Abdulaziz AlSeiari said comparing old and modern photographs highlights the UAE's remarkable transformation.
"It reveals the scale of development in the UAE and reminds us of the importance of documenting old houses, traditional crafts and markets," he said.
His World Photography Day message focuses on capturing today for the future.
"Let's document today, because some details we consider ordinary now could, years from now, become part of the nation's memory."
