In the heart of the United Arab Emirates lies Sharjah, a city known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and natural diversity. But what truly makes it unique is the way in which it is viewed through the lens of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Media Council has been an avid travel and nature photographer for over a decade, and his work is now being showcased at the International Photography Festival ‘Xposure’ in the exhibition “Sharjah, by Sultan Al Qasimi”.

Aidan J. Sullivan: Sharjah through the eyes of Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the emirate’s beloved son

Through a series of ten exquisite images, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi pays tribute to his birthplace and visually captures the beauty and diversity of the emirate. His passion and enthusiasm for photography are clearly evident in his work, which is a true reflection of his deep love and admiration for Sharjah. From the rich mangrove forests in Kalba, which are critical to the UAE’s and the planet’s marine ecosystem, to the rugged terrains of Mleiha – a UNESCO Heritage site and the city’s skyscrapers lined along the Al Majaz Waterfront, every image encapsulates the unique attributes of the city.

What sets Sultan Al Qasimi’s work apart is his ability to capture the essence of Sharjah’s culture and history through his lens. His images tell a story, and each one is a visual representation of the emirate’s past, present, and future. One of his most recent captures is a photograph of the House of Wisdom, a futuristic cultural centre and social hub, which was built as a living legacy of Sharjah’s UNESCO nomination as the World Book Capital 2019 – 2020. The image is a testament to the emirate’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity.

Aidan J. Sullivan: Sharjah through the eyes of Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the emirate’s beloved son

In a conversation with Aidan J. Sullivan at Xposure in 2019, His Highness mentioned that he wasn’t sure if he would ever have his own exhibition. But here we are, just four years later, and his work has progressed remarkably. The exhibition “Sharjah, by Sultan Al Qasimi” is a testament to his talent and dedication to photography, and it offers photography enthusiasts and image lovers a unique opportunity to see Sharjah through his eyes.

As we walk through the exhibition, we see the world through the eyes of a beloved son of Sharjah, whose passion for photography and love for his birthplace is palpable. Each image is a window into the soul of the city, and as we look through them, we can feel the history, culture, and natural beauty that make Sharjah a truly unique place.

In conclusion, Sultan Al Qasimi’s Ode to Sharjah is a visual journey that transcends time and place. His images are not just photographs, but a reflection of his deep connection to Sharjah and his desire to share its beauty and diversity with the world. Through his lens, we see a city that is rich in culture and history, a city that has a deep connection to its heritage, and a city that is committed to its future. Sultan Al Qasimi’s work is a reminder that photography is not just about taking pictures, but about capturing moments, emotions, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Written by: William Trevan

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