Threads of Light: Stories from the Tasweer Single Image Awards

Presenting: Ahmed Muhammed (Egypt)

Ahmed Muhammed is a renowned visual storyteller and photographer, recognized for his unique ability to capture candid emotions and compelling narratives. Featured by industry giants such as Apple, VSCO, and Fujifilm, Ahmed’s work has earned international acclaim. His photographs have been exhibited in prestigious venues, including Italy and the French Egyptian Institute, further solidifying his influence in the global photography scene. With an eye for authentic moments and a passion for visual expression, Ahmed continues to push creative boundaries and inspire through his evocative imagery.

Presenting: Akram Menari (Algeria)

Akram Menari states, "Modern artistic photography is closely linked to all scientific and cultural disciplines, particularly psychology. In a world that has become almost virtual and digital, every individual or group presents their ideas or behaviors through an image capable of reflecting what lies beyond and highlighting both the direct and indirect for the audience, ultimately achieving self-sufficiency for the source."

Presenting: Hussein Alaamri (Oman)

Hussein Alaamri is an Omani Photographer who achieved local & international photography awards (more than 170 awards) he is also a member of jalan Photography team and a member of Photography Society of Oman – OSA and a member of Arab Photographers Union- UAPUAE. Lecturer in People & travel photography and a Photography Traveler: Visited many countries such India, thailand, iran, Vietnam, Indonesia & Morocco- Uzbakistan.

Presenting: Michael Anthony Perrone (Based in Qatar)

Michael Perrone is an artist who graduated from Muhlenberg College with a degree in Russian Studies and Political Science. He went on to study art and art education at The School of The Museum of Fine Arts/Tufts, where he received a Master of Arts in Teaching (Art Education K-12). In 2004 he received an MFA in Painting from The University of Pennsylvania. Perrone has taught art in the Massachusetts public school system, at The University of Iowa in Iowa City and is currently a professor of painting at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Art in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar). He has mounted two solo exhibitions with Michael Steinberg Fine Art in Chelsea, New York City, and has participated in numerous group exhibitions internationally. Recently, Perrone has completed three public art projects in Qatar; one at Doha Festival City, one at Lusail Crescent Park, and most recently, in collaboration with colleague Marco Bruno at the Lusail QCA cricket grounds. In 2023, Perrone, with his wife – artist Mariah Dekkenga – founded an artist-collective gallery, the People’s Gallery, in Randolph, Vermont, USA.

Presenting: Mohamed Hoyzen Ahmed (Egypt)

Mohamed Hozyen (b. 1984, Cairo, Egypt) graduated from the Faculty of Arts Tour guide department at Ain Shams University, He began working as a photographer in 2016. Hozyen’s work and photo stories focus on trying to shed light on important subjects and social issues in our communities. He works on essential topics we don’t see or forget about, with a focus on documenting daily life and social issues and Neglected communities in Egypt. In 2020, he received a diploma in photojournalism from the Danish School of Media and Journalism. Late of 2020 He Received scholarship from VII Academy. Canon Student Development Program in 2023. In 2021 he won a grant of The Arab Documentary Photography Program established by AFAC fund and Prince Claus fund and Magnum foundtion. Foundry international workshop 2021, 2nd place prize Wiki Loves Africa 2022, Single Image Award at Tasweer Awards Qatar 2023, Social Documentary Network Reviews Reviewers Choice Award, Canon Student Development Program 2023 and was nominated for Joop Swart Masterclass 2024.

Presenting: Mohamed Kaouche (Algeria)

Mohamed Kaouche was immersed in the art of photography at a young age. With a camera given to him by his mother at the age of five. The influence of old magazines stored in a shed in his father's bookstore in the lower Casbah somewhat titillated his curiosity and later his desire to pursue a career as a reporter. He started to study marketing, in 2003 he decided to earn his living exclusively from photography multiplying the freelance jobs. He accumulated exhibitions and awards to fairs in different regions of the globe.

Presenting: Mohamed Nageeb Nasr (Based in Qatar)

Mohamed Nageeb Nasr is an amateur photographer with a BA in Media and Journalism and experience in travel and street photography since 2012. He holds EFIAP and GPU Crown 2 distinctions and has won many international photography competitions. He has also presented at several workshops on street and travel photography. Additionally, he is a member of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and the Global Photographers Union (GPU).

Presenting: Rita Kabalan (Lebanon)

Rita has been a guest artist lecturer at The New School's Parsons School of Design in New York and has taught photography workshops with the Migrant Community Center, Kafa, Phlog_, 1 More Cup Media Organization, and The Everyday Projects. She ran the visual documentation of the environmental waste crisis in Lebanon for the Waste Management Coalition and is a contributor to the EverydayMiddleEast Instagram account. Her work has been exhibited at PCNW Gallery in Seattle, Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai, and 1 More Cup Media Organization in Beirut. She is also an awardee of the 2023 Tasweer Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Single Image Award.

Presenting: Salaheddine El Bouaaichi (Morocco)

Salaheddine El Bouaaichi is a self-taught photographer who has been actively practicing photography since 2016. His primary objective is to visually reflect his unique vision of Moroccan society. Born in 1997 and raised in Marrakesh, Salaheddine has a deep passion for capturing the dynamics of his city. He stands out in contemporary Moroccan photography with his distinct urban photography style, a unique style of capturing portraits, and compelling storytelling. He does not only capture moments but also weaves a visual narrative that reflects the essence of his culture and the diverse stories in Marrakesh's urban landscape. In addition, His photography style lays at the intersection of realistic and majestic. He aims to showcase the beauty of his city through his lenses, with a particular focus on the Hip-Hop/Rap scene in Marrakesh and throughout Morocco. Additionally, he has created several covers for albums, mixtapes, and EPs. Overall, Salaheddine's work demonstrates his dedication to the art of photography, as well as his desire to highlight the richness of his culture through his visuals.

Presenting: Salem Sultan Al Hajri (Oman)

Salem Sultan Amer Al-Hajari is a filmmaker and a visual novelist who is interested in photography, establishing photographic workshops and exhibitions and documenting them within a cinematic and photographic template. He is interested in filming and producing documentaries. He made many cinematographic films and photographs that have won many awards, whether local, Arab or international, including but not limited to winning the international competition HEPA third place in the world in the black and white axis, and winning the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed competition for Arabian horses second place in video and photography, also producing documentaries in cooperation with the National Geographic International Channel. The National Geographic magazine published photo reports in their Arabic and German version and winning the Sheikh Saud Al-Thani Individual Photos Competition for the second time in a row, the ambition continues to win awards and spreading the culture of image in the whole world.

Presenting: Samir Mustafa (Egypt)

Samir Mustafa, a photographer from Faisal, Giza Governorate, Egypt. He holds a bachelor’s degree in media. He had a talent for drawing since childhood, which has contributed to shaping his artistic vision and made photography a reflection of it. He began photography in 2010, but he stopped in 2012 due to circumstances beyond his control. He returned to practicing photography in 2017, which was considered a new beginning full of passion and creativity. This desire led him to travel to most governorates of Egypt to document the details of daily life. In his photography, he focuses on getting close to people and documenting their human and spontaneous moments, which makes his work a blend of documentary and artistic photography. He participated in exhibitions and received international awards, including the Best Individual Photo Award at the "Tasweer" Festival in Qatar 2023 and the "Waqf wa Soora" Award.

Presenting: Yousef Almasoud (Saudi Arabia)

Youssef Abdullah Al Masoud Saudi artist, born in 1979 in Al-Khobar, special education teacher (hearing impairment) studied at King Saud University in Riyadh. Studied the art of photography in the photography group in Qatif in 2000, and then at the Professional Photography Institute in Australia in 2013. Lecturer and photography trainer specializing in portraiture and still life, founding member of the Saudi Photography Society. Won first place in many local competitions, most notably (Al-Safir, Colors of Saudi Arabia) and international (UAE, Qatar, Sharjah). He judged many local and international competitions and is licensed to judge by the International Federation of Photographic Art. He worked on many photographic projects. (Read) Followed by Aramco Ithra Center 2015. (The Ancient House) Photography exhibition and photo book 2016. (Inspired) Book published 2017.Minimalism Art (Local Topics Simplified) 2023.

Presenting: Adel Al Haimi (Yemen)

Adel Al Haimi is a filmmaker and visual novelist with a profound passion for storytelling, combining cinematic and photographic techniques to document and narrate human experiences. Proficient in photography, editing, and directing, he has worked on various artistic projects and human interest stories for organizations, agencies, and TV channels. His debut professional film, *Satel*, received notable acclaim, including Best Documentary Film at the Baghdad Film Festival 2024 and second place in the Al Jazeera Documentary Competition for Short Film 2024. Additionally, he won the Best Picture Award at Yemen 2021: Hope for the Future from among 700 entries. Adel aspires to achieve international recognition.

Presenting: Ahmed Abdulaziz Alabbadi (Yemen)

Ahmed Abdulaziz Alabbadi is a visual artist born and based in Aden. His exploration of conceptual photography began as he found it to be the most fitting way to tell stories, capture emotions, and address issues that resonate with him. Ahmed has exhibited his work in numerous local and international venues, including Sawara in Aden (2021), Here, There, and in Between in New York (2022), and Do You See Me? in New York (2023). His art continues to engage deeply with both personal experiences and broader societal themes.

Presenting: Ahmed Emad (Egypt)

Ahmed Emad, born in 1993, is a passionate Egyptian photographer based in Cairo. His journey began at eight years old with a photo taken on his father’s camera, a cherished memory he still holds dear. At 17, Ahmed started exploring Egypt’s beauty and culture, which evolved into a full-time career. By 23, he won his first prize, leading to numerous national and international awards. In 2022, he was chosen as an ambassador for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, amplifying his work's impact. His award-winning photos and videos often go viral for their beauty and authenticity. Ahmed specializes in travel, portraits, landscape, and documentary photography, focusing on capturing human struggle while preserving dignity. He is committed to empowering aspiring photographers to pursue their passion despite challenges, believing that a single photo can positively transform lives.

Presenting: Ahmed Hussein Masoud (Egypt)

Ahmed Hussein Masoud is an Egyptian photographer who discovered his passion for photography in 2018 and has since participated in several exhibitions. His self-taught approach to photography focuses on analog techniques, particularly 35mm black-and-white film, which he uses to express his inner world and the broader environment. Ahmed finds that black-and-white photography reveals emotions with stark realism, free from the influence of color. He resides in El-Saff, a small village by the Nile River in the Giza Governorate, where he captures daily life and personal reflections in his work. His background in filmmaking further enhances his visual storytelling and emotional expression through photography.

Presenting: Ahmed Mohamed Hassan (Egypt, based in Qatar)

Ahmed Mohamed Hassan (b. 1983) is an Egyptian photographer born in Qatar. After graduating from medical school in Egypt in 2007, he spent three years managing Egyptian army prison clinics before joining the Medical Team at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Qatar as a Public Health Physician in 2011. Driven by a desire to join the ranks of renowned international photographers, Ahmed began his photography journey in October 2015. He views photography as a means to capture human emotions, cultural greatness, and preserve traditions. Specializing in street, travel, and lifestyle photography, he started traveling globally in 2016 to explore diverse cultures. For Ahmed, each image is a story that touches his soul, reflecting his passion for preserving the beauty of the world.

Presenting: Ali Mahmoud Abdelwahab Gad (Egypt)

Ali Gad, a 25-year-old visual artist and storyteller from Shabrament Village in Giza Governorate, Egypt, graduated from the Faculty of Commerce in 2021 but has always been passionate about photography. He did not pursue formal studies in the field, instead learning through continuous experimentation and self-exploration. Ali is particularly captivated by the concept of "place," making it the focal point in his images. Even when featuring human elements, the place remains the central character, creating an alternate world that serves as a refuge from real places he feels disconnected from. Ali has showcased his work in several prominent exhibitions in Egypt, including Cairo Design Week 2024 with Phlog, Alexandria Photo Week with "Flowers on Fire" in February 2024, the Fuji Film 2024 Competition, Sync X GLC Exhibition in November 2023, and the Journalists Syndicate Exhibition in December 2022.

Presenting: Ahmed Shaaban Elimi (Egypt)

Ahmed Elimi is a media professional and photographer with extensive experience across media outlets in Egypt and Qatar, including Akhbar El-Yom Foundation, Al-Watan newspaper, and the National Planning Council in Qatar. Throughout his career, he has garnered numerous international and local photography awards. In 2015, Ahmed won first prize in the black and white category at the Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Single Image Award. He also clinched first place in the Qatari Amiri Guard Competition for his coverage of the 2016 National Day events and won the Doha UCI Road World Championship in 2016. His work has been nominated for prestigious awards like the Hamdan International Photography Award and has been featured on National Geographic Abu Dhabi's Instagram page.

Presenting: Bashar Shglila (Lybia)

Bashar Shglila, from Tripoli, Libya, graduated from the Faculty of Science at the University of Tripoli and works in remote sensing. He began his photography journey in 2006 with a Sony compact camera as a hobby. His work, which involves traveling between cities and countries, led him to share his photos on Flickr, where positive feedback encouraged him to pursue photography more seriously. Bashar has experimented with various styles, including nature, sports, and portraits. However, his true passion emerged in 2008 at a heritage festival in southern Libya, where he was captivated by the cultures of the Tuareg tribes and the desert city of Ghadames, inspiring him to focus on documenting endangered cultures and heritage.

Presenting: Eslam Ahmed Hamed (Egypt)

Eslam Ahmed Hamed, born in 1989, is passionate about photographing street life and portraits. He believes that capturing portraits reveals human traits and qualities in a spontaneous and authentic manner, particularly in street photography. This approach highlights both the present and past of individuals without embellishment. Eslam aims to document everyday moments and the inherent beauty within them, telling people's stories through his photos. With studies in photography and film directing, he brings a diverse perspective to his work. His participation in several local exhibitions has refined his skills, and a notable achievement is his nomination for the Tasweer Single Image Award.

Presenting: Haitham Imad Nuraldeen (Palestine)

Haitham Imad Nuraldeen, born in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, is a photojournalist for EANA, specializing in conflicts, wars, and daily life. At the age of 29, he has extensively covered numerous wars in his country and has received several international and local awards for his impactful work. Currently based in the Gaza Strip, Haitham continues to document the ongoing conflict in the region, capturing the realities of life amidst adversity.

Presenting: Mohamed Abdalla Medo (Sudan, based in United Arab Emirates)

Mohamed Abdalla (b. 1994) is a Sudanese photographer who began his journey in photography as a hobby while completing a diploma in computer engineering in 2016. His passion for the craft developed during his university years, leading him to focus on documentary photography, portraiture, and visual storytelling. Mohamed has participated in numerous competitions and exhibitions, including international events. He secured fourth place in the Positivity Competition organized by the Sudanese Photographers Association in 2022 and had his work featured in the annual book of the Union of Arab Photographers, showcased at the Xposure 2024 International Photography Festival.

Presenting: Mortada Emad (Iraq)

Mortada Emad Kazem, born in 1999, lives in Baghdad Governorate, Iraq. He started photography in 2017 with his phone, inspired by the art of capturing moments and blending them with his own imagination. His career took off with his debut in a black and white photography exhibition in Baghdad, where he was among 100 international photographers. Mortada has since participated in numerous local, Arab, and international exhibitions, winning the GPU Under 25 Years Old grand prize for 2019-2020 and 2023-2024, the Fujifilm Middle East competition in 2021, and the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Photography Award. His recent work was featured at the Xposure Photography Festival 2024.

Presenting: Mustafa Shorbaji (Egypt)

Mustafa Shorbaji is an Egyptian photographer with 13 years of experience and a deep passion for street photography and documenting diverse lives and cultures. He has received 35 local and international awards, including the European Union Award from Egypt in 2017 and 2020, the Wiki Loves Africa Award, and the SOOC Award from Fujifilm Middle East. Mustafa is also the founder of the "Story and Picture" initiative, which significantly contributes to teaching young photographers the techniques of street and documentary photography. His work continues to influence and inspire within the photography community.

Presenting: Mustafa Turky (Iraq)

Mustafa Turky, born in Baghdad, Iraq, embarked on his photography journey by taking pictures with his mobile phone, which sparked his passion for the art form. This early interest led him to purchase his first professional camera in 2012, marking the true beginning of his photography career. Mustafa is especially drawn to street photography and capturing everyday scenes, creating visual stories that resonate with viewers. Over the years, he has earned several local awards from associations, forums, and unions in Iraq, as well as recognition in international competitions and exhibitions. His work reflects a deep commitment to documenting the world through his lens.

Presenting: Muthanna Ba Dhares (Yemen)

Muthanna Ba Dhares, a former lecturer at the Faculty of Journalism and Media at Hadhramout University, holds a master’s degree in media from Aden University and currently resides in Hadhramout, Yemen. As a photographer, he collaborates with various humanitarian and cultural organizations across Yemen. He has also participated in press team management courses offered by the US Embassy in Yemen and Freedom House NPO. As a cultural and media activist, Muthanna focuses on documenting both tangible and intangible heritage, dedicated to preserving it from change and destruction.

Presenting: Neşe Arı (Turkey)

Neşe Arı, a self-taught photographer born in Istanbul, has turned her hobby into a vital part of her life through her unique perspective. She specializes in documentary, travel, and street photography, capturing moments across Turkey and globally. Neşe views photography as a powerful form of communication, using it to convey the experiences and emotions she encounters to those who were not present. Her work reflects her belief that photography is a tool for sharing the depth of human experiences.

Presenting: Tarek Elmagrbe (Egypt)

Tarek Elmagrbe, from Alexandria, Egypt, began his photography journey four years ago, specializing in street photography and the interplay of shadow and light. He has received several local and international awards for his work, including being named one of the top 35 photographers of 2022 in the Russian competition 35Awards. Tarek also won third place in the local Street Life competition and earned recognition in the PhotOlympic competition. His work continues to explore and capture the nuanced interactions between light, shadow, and urban life.

Presenting: Waad Saber(Egypt)

Waad Saber (b. 2000) is a documentary photographer from Cairo, Egypt who graduated from the Faculty of Language and Media at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. She specialises in capturing daily life and street scenes, offering a vivid and authentic glimpse into everyday moments. Her work reflects a deep interest in the nuances of urban life, showcasing the subtleties and realities of the city through her lens.