“The more I explored hidden neighborhoods, the more curious I became about rural communities — the villages scattered across the UAE. Children playing barefoot in narrow alleys, women visiting neighbors unannounced with a pot of food, men gathering for prayer at the local mosque. Many of these villages have just one grocery shop and one mosque, creating a sense of unity and shared rhythm.”
hidden jewels
concept
This project marks the first visual presentation of an extensive portfolio documenting hidden and, at times, nearly inaccessible villages around the UAE. It aims to educate both nationals and non-nationals about the quiet beauty of these places — their landscapes, traditions, and people. Through numerous field trips and careful map tracing, I have photographed seventy-five villages, each revealing a distinct facet of identity and belonging.
