From well-worn trekking paths to unsullied beaches, and sweet-smelling mango orchards, there’s plenty to discover here
travel1 hour ago
The tall skyscrapers and massive malls often take the spotlight in Dubai. However, two photographers are on a mission to highlight the nature this city has to offer.
Zainab Al Attar and award-winning photographer Abdullah Al Buqaish have snapped Arabian Oryxs in their natural habitat in the deserts of Dubai.
Captured on an iPhone 7, the photographers want to encourage residents to also take photos and upload them on social media to raise awareness of preserving the natural habitats of these animals.
Al 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's government and private institutes' are placing great focus on conservation by driving initiatives to save our wildlife and issuing laws to prohibit wild animals hunting and illegal cutting down of trees. 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."
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.
Al 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.
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."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com
From well-worn trekking paths to unsullied beaches, and sweet-smelling mango orchards, there’s plenty to discover here
travel1 hour ago
Ashwin's unbeaten 102 off 112 balls, his sixth Test hundred, included 10 fours and two sixes
cricket1 hour ago
Renowned conductor Nicolas Mann is on a mission to elevate the classical music experience in the region
entertainment1 hour ago
The 10-year-old born to a Japanese father and a Chinese mother died in an attack near his school in Shenzhen
asia2 hours ago
Mohamad El Kurdi and Fiona Erdmann are the founders of FNM Properties
lifestyle2 hours ago
Out of 251 hostages seized by militants, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead
mena2 hours ago
There is speculation Nadal may retire from the sport at the Laver Cup
tennis2 hours ago