I am a National Geographic Photographer

In May 2014, National Geographic Abu Dhabi locally produced for the first time in the region “I am a National Geographic photographer”, a reality show shot entirely in United Arab Emirates featuring 8 inspiring photographers from the MENA region competing in a reality format to win the title, sponsored by Nikon.  

Throughout the six-part reality show, the photographers competed against each other while they worked their way through a series of tasks that took them across the UAE. From Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Mosque to Meydan Racecourse in Dubai and all the way to Fujairah, the amateur photographers had their creative and photographic abilities stretched to their limits in each exciting challenge, which tested their ability to think quickly, engage with people, judge their environment, anticipate action, endure physical hardship and more! Only the more artistically dextrous survived the elimination and made it through to the final round.  This exhibition features the winner images and portfolio which showcases the talent and creative vision of the photographer Emilie Houwat. 

The competition was judged by Laura El-Tantawy National Geographic photographer, Jack Dabaghian, professional photojournalist, and Matthew Dols, Assistant Professor of New Media in the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) at Zayed University (Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses).