Dubai: In celebration of the UAE’s 52nd Union Day, a captivating photo exhibition, titled ‘The UAE Through a Photographer’s Lens’ by veteran Bahraini photographer Abdullah Al Khan, was unveiled at the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation on Tuesday, December 5.
Mohammed Al Murr, Sulaiman Al Jassim, and Abdul Hamid Ahmed, along with photographer Abdullah Al Khan, engaged in viewing ‘The UAE Through a Photographer’s Lens’ exhibition with keen interest.
The photo exhibition offers a visual journey into the country’s essence through the lens of the talented photographer, who extensively visited its cities and explored numerous regions since 1963, capturing the essence of people’s lives, public spaces, and a myriad of intricate details spanning roads, beaches, bridges, and more through his captivating compelling photography.
The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Sulaiman Mousa Al Jassim, Vice-Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and H.E. Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Secretary General of the Foundation. Dr. Fatima Al Sayegh, Member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, several esteemed cultural and artistic figures and a discerning audience of art enthusiasts and others were also present.
Fatima Al Sayegh and Najat Makki seen exploring the exhibition
‘The UAE Through a Photographer’s Lens’ exhibition offers a pictorial journey that encapsulates the essence and vibrancy of the UAE’s daily life and its rich cultural heritage through the lens of Abdullah Al Khan who documented life in the UAE’s diverse cities since 1963, wielding his camera and drawing from his extensive experience as a photographer for the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco).
The exhibition features over 135 photos documenting official activities in the UAE, prominently showcasing a photograph taken by Abdullah Al Khan in 1966, depicting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a centerpiece. This portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed had later been recognized as the official portrait of the Abu Dhabi Ruler. Throughout his illustrious career, Abdullah Al Khan gained access to royal courts and palaces, earning the esteemed moniker “Photographer of Kings”.
Mohammed Al Murr presents Al Owais Shield to photographer Abdullah Al Khan, in the presence of Sulaiman Al Jassim, Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Ibrahim Al Hashemi and Hussain Al Mahrous
The attendees toured the exhibition alongside photographer Abdullah Al Khan, and in the company of author and photographer Hussain Al Mahrous. Hussain Al Mahrous has extensively documented Abdullah Al Khan’s experiences in books and press interviews over the years.
Abdullah Al Khan took the attendees into his pictorial journey across the UAE, starting from 1963. He discussed the challenges he encountered while navigating rugged and mountainous terrains, highlighting how he triumphed over natural obstacles to capture images of regions that now serve as visual testimonials of life in the UAE over 60 years ago.
During the tour, attendees paused at numerous photographs that chronicle the evolution of buildings, public places, and official institutions that witnessed significant development within a few years of the UAE’s establishment. Additionally, the exhibition featured photographs capturing public figures engaged in daily life, including politicians, administrators, merchants and other influential individuals who played active roles in the country’s social life.
Commemorative group photo of the attendees at ‘The UAE Through a Photographer’s Lens’ exhibition
At the conclusion of the tour, the Al Owais Cultural Foundation presented a commemorative shield to photographer Abdullah Al Khan and another one to writer Hussain Al Mahrous. In turn, photographer Abdullah Al Khan thanked Al Owais Cultural Foundation for providing this opportunity to exhibit a vast collection of photographs depicting the UAE and celebrate his artistic experience, which stands as a significant milestone in documenting both the pre- and post-Union eras.
