On August 30, 2026, Sheikh Engineer Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Head of the Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, inaugurated the “Photography and Family” exhibition. This event was organised by the UAE Photography Team in collaboration with the “Smile of the UAE” Association for Chronic and Humanitarian Diseases, coinciding with the Family Year 2026, at the Manar Mall in Ras Al Khaimah.
The exhibition aims to highlight the importance of family and its pivotal role in building a cohesive society. This was showcased through a collection of artistic works that reflect familial bonds and community solidarity, while also shedding light on the human aspects tied to families and society. Sheikh Salem toured the exhibition, reviewing the exhibited works and listening to explanations about their themes and the messages they convey. He praised the artistic level of the exhibits and the initiative that blends art, photography, and community humanitarian work.
Promoting Awareness
Mahra Mohammed bin Sarai, Chairperson of the Smile of the UAE Association, expressed that the association’s participation in the “Photography and Family” exhibition stems from its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance community awareness and reinforce humanitarian values. She emphasised that families represent the essential foundation for supporting community members, especially those with chronic illnesses and their families.
She noted that art and photography serve as a universal language capable of conveying community messages in an impactful way, and she expressed her delight in collaborating with the UAE Photography Team in organising this event, especially within the context of the Year of Family.
The exhibition concluded amidst the presence of photography enthusiasts, artists, and community advocates, providing a platform for interaction, exchange of experiences, and spotlighting photographic creativity in addressing family and humanitarian issues.
Participant Highlights
A total of 38 photographers, both citizens and residents, participated in the exhibition, each contributing a photographic piece. Among the participants were Ahmed Al Nimri, Ahmed Al Naqbi, Ibrahim Ahmed, Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Arzu Abdullah, Mohammed Al Hashemi, Ahmed Sulaiman Al Shehhi, Emad Alaa Eddin, Omar Mohammed, Khawla Al Shehhi, Sihem Mohammed, Haden Al Saadi, Amal Al Marzooqah, Hamid Al Hosani, Hoor Al Naqbi, Khalid Al Jassem, Qaid Abdullah Barman, Rabee Ismail, Faten Al Saleh, Sarah Yahya Al Bihnasawi, Sari Kehila, Salem Ahmed Al Baloushi, Shaimaa Mohammed, Talal Al Hamadi, Forzan Atabaee, Faisal Al Rays, Leila Al Hamadi, Mohammed Saleh Al Taniqi, Zahifi Jiang, Isa Al Taniqi, Abdullah Al Yafai, Maram Kahl, Omar Al Marzouqi, Rana Al Qaisi, Hayat Al Turki, Aqeel Al Jamal, Maher Darabian, and Mohammed Hassan.