Emirati photographer Salem Sarhan wins big with Nat Geo comp
Salem at work
Contest winner aims to showcase UAE to the world through his work
Given 2020’s global situation, the annual ‘Moments’ competition, one of the largest photography contests across the Middle East and North Africa, was always going to be a bit different. Adapting to the climate early, hosts National Geographic Abu Dhabi and Almarai tweaked the theme accordingly titling it ‘2020 Moments: A Year Lived Differently.’ In spite of this alteration, as usual, the entries flooded in and led to tough decisions from the judging panel, which included two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner and National Geographic photographer Mohammad Muheisen. Though recently a victor was chosen: 27-year-old Salem Sarhan from Al Ain has become the first Emirati to win the competition in its ten-year history and with it will have his photograph released in the National Geographic Alarabiya Magazine, and receive $10,000 worth
When 27-year-old Salem Sarhan received the call, little did he know he was about to make history as the first Emirati to win ‘Moments’, an annual competition held by National Geographic Abu Dhabi and Almarai. He says, in an interview with ‘Gulf News’, that he’s very humbled by his win, which was officially announced today.
The winning shot was born off the theme ‘2020 Moments - A Year Lived Differently.’
Sarhan, who was born and brought up in the UAE and is currently based in Al Ain, recalls that while working from home last year owing to the unusual COVID-19 circumstances, he found himself staring at a daily event that would represent what had changed and yet stayed the same – moments of faith.
Proud Moment: Saudi Photographer Shortlisted For National Geographic Prize albawaba.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from albawaba.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
AHMED MATER
‘Lightning 1’
Saudi artist Mater is one of the most significant figures in the region’s contemporary arts scene. This striking image has previously been shown as part of an exhibition entitled “Mitochondria:powerhouses,” in which, according to the press release for that show, Mater “scrutinizes two systems structuring contemporary geopolitics religion and natural resources.” This photograph is illustrative of Mater’s concern with the tension between science and faith something he has a unique take on thanks to the way his work balances his artistic aims with his background in science-based medical training.
SARAH ABU ABDALLAH
‘Salad Zone’
National Geographic Abu Dhabi announces ‘Moments’ shortlist
ABU DHABI, January 25, 2021 National Geographic Abu Dhabi (NGAD) and Almarai has announced the shortlisted entries for the 2020 edition and 10th annual ‘Moments’ competition, one of the largest photography competitions across the Middle East and North Africa. A total of 10 images were shortlisted from over 27,000 entries received this year, from countries across the Middle East and North Africa. They consisted of three images from the UAE by Ahmed Al Shehi, Salem Sarhan and Safiaa Al Zaabi; two images from Saudi Arabia by Hussein Ali and Afrah Saleh Al Harby; an image from Syria by Khalil Ashmawi; an image from Iraq by Ahmed Lazem; an image from Jordan by Ahmed Al Azam; and two from Palestine by Samar Abu Al Ouf.