Capturing the tranquil side of Dubai
dubai — The tall skyscrapers and massive malls often take the spotlight in Dubai, however, two photographers are on a mission to highlight the tranquil side of the city - nature this city has to offer.
Zainab Al Attar and award-winning photographer Abdullah Al Buqaish have phtographed Arabian Oryxs in their natural habitat in the deserts of Dubai. And this was done not by using any high-tech cameras but with their smart phones.
Both photographers said that they preferred capturing the shots with their iPhone 7 instead of a DSLR, as the camera offers an optical zoom feature – giving them twice the zoom and also helps in wildlife photography.
Buqaish said he was easily able to capture the Oryx from miles away with his phone and is encouraging residents to do the same and upload the snaps on social media, so the stories of these animals can be shared.
The photographers want to encourage residents to take photos and upload them on social media to raise awareness on preserving the natural habitats of these animals.
Buqaish, who has won several regional awards and second place at the Emirates Photography Competition, said: “The UAE has a very unique natural habitat, including wide range of trees and animals that many of us are not aware of. The UAE government and private institutes are greatly focusing on conservation by driving initiatives to save our wildlife, issuing laws to prohibit hunting of wild animals and illegally cutting down of trees.
UAE has a very unique natural habitat, including wide range of trees and animals that many of us are not aware of.” Abdullah Al Buqaish, award-winning photographer
It’s the first time I was able to explore and get so close to desert animals such as the Oryx and gazelles in Dubai itself.” Zainab Al Attar, photographer
These treasures are here for everyone to enjoy, so we have to look after it in every possible way.”
“Generating the right awareness around wildlife conservation is the best thing we can do to help encourage people to save their environment and keep it beautiful for the next generation. I believe that social media platforms and pictures are the best channels to spread the word and educate residents about the importance of nature and preserving it,” Buqaish added,
Meanwhile, Al Attar said: “It’s the first time I was able to explore and get so close to desert animals such as the Oryx and gazelles in Dubai itself. I encourage everyone to go out in nature and start taking photos because you never know what treasures you may find.”
The photos by Zainab and Abdullah were taken at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and the Al Maha Resort near Al Ain Road. Residents can also take pictures of animals in their natural habitats in those areas, as well as in certain areas of Al Qudra.
Zainab said that when tourists visit Dubai they usually experience only the malls and the luxurious side of Dubai, however, she feels that they should see the nature as well.
“The animals we have here are beautiful. When tourists come they need to see the hidden side of Dubai too.” She also said that residents in Dubai need to take care of the deserts because it is the home of many animals, which is one of the messages she wanted to deliver through her photos. “People need to protect the environment. We have beautiful animals and they call the desert their home.”
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com