The Maritime Heritage of the UAE Comes to Life Through These Enchanting Images

- Along the coast in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, you might hear from afar the popular chants sung by fishermen as they work near the boats and nets. For a moment, you might think that time has turned back to an era when fishing and diving for pearls were among the essential professions in the United Arab Emirates, before gradually declining with the advent of the oil era.

But these scenes were not from the past; they were documented by the Emirati photographer Sheikha Al Khayyat during the Abu Dhabi Maritime Heritage Festival, which was held on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, where details of coastal life that were once a natural part of the daily scene were revived. Al Khayyat, who is particularly interested in documenting cultural experiences, explained that her attraction to this subject stems from a deep personal and familial connection to the sea and its history.

The Emirati photographer said in an interview with Ufuk News in Arabic: "Maritime culture is closely linked to my family's history. My grandparents and great-grandparents were sailors and pearl divers."

"Despite the fact that a large part of this way of life had faded by the time I was born, I grew up hearing stories about it, and I fully realize that it is still an integral part of my identity." The history comes back to life. The equestrian added that what caught her attention the most was seeing these traditions revived with all this authenticity, from scenes of hunting, the traditions related to pearl diving trips, to folk songs, wooden boats, old tools, and the details of daily life on the coast.

She said: "It seemed like a scene from a living history more than a theatrical performance." Although the UAE is often known for its desert history, the Emirati photographer found that many people are unaware of the deep connection between Emirati culture and the sea.

She explained: "Through these images, I wanted to highlight an aspect of Emirati culture that tells a story of resilience, sacrifice, community bonding, and determination." The photos feature captivating details, from the fishing nets, to the engravings, and the colors in traditional clothing, reaching up to the wooden boats that reflected the coastal sunlight.

Al-Khayyal affirmed: "I wanted these images to convey a sense of warmth and humanity." The Emirati photographer believes that photography not only documents history but also preserves the emotions and atmospheres that accompany it.

She said: "Events like these are temporary by nature, but photography gives those moments a chance to remain alive and eternal."