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.

However, these scenes were not from the past, but were documented by 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 Ufaq News in Arabic: "Maritime culture is closely linked to my family’s history. My grandparents and great-grandparents were fishermen and pearl divers.

Although a large part of this lifestyle had faded by the time I was born, I grew up hearing stories about it, and I am fully aware that it is still an integral part of my identity." History comes to life Al Khayyat added that what caught her attention the most was seeing these traditions revived with all this authenticity, from scenes of fishing, the traditions related to diving trips for pearls, to the folk songs, wooden boats, old tools, and details of daily life on the coast.

She said: "It felt like a scene of living history more than a theatrical presentation." Although the UAE is often known for its desert history, the Emirati photographer found that many people do not realize the depth of the relationship that connects Emirati culture to 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 are filled with captivating details, from the fishing nets, to the engravings, and the colors in traditional clothing, all the way to the wooden boats reflecting 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."