Soud Karamastaji: Photography carries Emirati identity to world

In exclusive statements to Sharjah 24, Karamastaji explained that the role of the Emirati photographer in an era of globalisation and rapid digital acceleration is to preserve cultural identity by documenting both the country’s stunning natural landscapes and its remarkable urban and civilisational development. He added that the responsibility of conveying this identity goes beyond borders, stressing that photographers’ international travels should serve as opportunities to reflect authentic Emirati values of respect, culture, and ethics at global forums, and to present a true image of the local community to the world.

He noted that such international festivals provide an ideal platform to achieve this vision, where the camera lens becomes a tool for cultural dialogue that introduces the authentic Emirati narrative and helps build bridges of mutual understanding and appreciation among peoples, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading cultural and humanitarian hub.