Sheikh Maktoum honours best journalists in region

dubai — For putting himself in danger by taking photos of conflict in his motherland of Palestine, Jaafar Ashtiyeh was awarded as Photojournalist of the Year at the 16th Arab Journalism Award (AJA) on Tuesday at Madinat Jumeirah.

Ashtiyeh joined a host of other outstanding journalists and media personalities who were awarded in various fields at the final day of the Arab Media Forum by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Ashtiyeh, 49, who works with AFP in Palestine told Khaleej Times: “In my 21 years as a photographer, I’ve put myself in danger and got injured more than 20 times, mostly by Israeli forces. I want to bring to the world’s attention the sufferings of the Palestinian people and I want to help to bring to an end the many years of conflict in my land and pray that one day we can achieve peace.

“I feel proud for getting this award but I also want to bring this message to aspiring photojournalists to be brave and to do their job, even in the face of danger,” he added. Ahmad Sahim Farhat from Al Ittihad was cited as the best in cultural journalism. He said he is inspired by Dubai’s economic development and its strong will to preserve its cultural heritage. “Despite being a modern and futuristic city, Dubai is still deeply rooted to its past by preserving its cultural legacy,” Farhat noted.

I want to bring this message to aspiring photojournalists to be brave and to do their job.” Jaafar Ashtiyeh, Photojournalist of the Year