5 Nov 2025
The more I travel, the more I realise how difficult it is to capture a truly great photograph — perhaps that is why stories about photographers always draw me in. Arab photography, in particular, feels inseparable from people’s emotions, journeys, and ways of seeing the world. But there is one subject that always stands out in their lens: the mosques. As the spiritual and cultural heart of the Arab world, it is far from easy to photograph — yet those who do often create something remarkable. So here we are again, exploring these breathtaking, soul-stirring spaces through the eyes of photographers who deserve your attention.
Ahmed Waleed Samy, Egypt
If you think Egypt is all about pyramids and pharaohs’ tombs, think again. Or better still, explore the work of Ahmed — a Cairo-born photographer whose inspiration is deeply rooted in his home city. And when I say inspiration, I mean it — his affection for Cairo even led him to found Cairo Roamers, a photography collective that organises photo walks and celebrates the city’s rich visual heritage.
Each of his images shows a remarkable command of light and colour, inviting you to pause and lose yourself in the details — the sandy tones, the open skies, the golden mosques. As he says himself, “You see what I saw.” So, let’s take a closer look.
Karim Amr, Egypt
Karim may more often turn his lens towards the pyramids and horses (and we all know how much he loves those) rather than mosques — yet he is still very much worth a mention, and you are about to see why. His style is defined by minimalist compositions, often centred on a single subject, framed by vast skies and stretches of golden sand. And clearly, it works — with more than 300,000 followers on Instagram to prove it.
When asked how he achieves such striking results, his answer is simple: it is all guided by intuition rather than any strict method — and, of course, by pure love for his city. Among his most recognisable works is the series “Frames of Cairo,” where Karim captures the city’s spirit through windows and balconies — and yes, the mosques we are looking at today make an appearance there too.
Imad Alaeddin, UAE
Originally from Syria, Imad Alaeddin has spent many years living in the UAE — and the project we are looking at today is his tribute to the country’s mosques. With more than three decades of experience, Imad has photographed over 30 mosques across the Emirates for this special series, capturing their ceilings, domes, and the quiet beauty of their details.
His goal was simple: to show a different side of Islamic architecture, one that focuses on the smaller elements that make these spaces feel sacred. It wasn’t always easy — prayer times meant limited access and tricky lighting — but he made it work.
Ahmed Mater, Saudi Arabia
Some photographers focus on the visual, while others delve deeper into the social and cultural layers of their subject. Ahmed Mater is certainly among the latter — approaching his work from a perspective that looks beyond form and beauty. His series pays tribute to the holiest place in Islam, Mecca, a city that in recent years has transformed from a living, breathing metropolis into one of the world’s most exclusive yet most visited religious destinations.
More than just a collection of images, his project “Desert of Pharan” is a visual study of how one of the most sacred and historically rich cities on earth is being reshaped by rapid urban development. It is where the commercial and the spiritual meet — sometimes in harmony, sometimes in tension.
Noor Abdali, Iraq
If you have never been to Iraq, here is your chance — and no, you don’t need to rush to Skyscanner to book a ticket. Start instead by exploring it through the photos of Noor Abdali. Her profile is more than just a collection of photographs; each image comes with a short story or caption, offering context for those unfamiliar with what they are seeing.
An old man resting on a red carpet after the prayer in Iran Mashhad, people carrying plastic bags to store their shoes before entering the mosque, another man deep in prayer inside the Al-Ridha shrine — Noor captures these moments with honesty and warmth. Her work isn’t only about mosques; it is about the people who fill them, and the everyday beauty of devotion.
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