The visual custodian of the wild

Arwa al Hashimi
In 2023, Mohammed bin Abdulmunim Abdullah Al Bahr al Rawas achieved a moment that many photographers worldwide dream of: he was awarded second place in the prestigious Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum International Photography Award, under the compelling theme of “Diversity”. The award, regarded as one of the most esteemed and competitive photography competitions globally, attracts thousands of entries from across the planet. Its reputation for recognising exceptional talent makes Al Rawas’s achievement not just a personal triumph but a testament to his skill and dedication.

The Hamdan Award isn’t merely about submitting images; it is an intensive process that demands not only technical excellence but also a profound storytelling ability — an album of images that weave narratives about human life, environment, culture and innovation. To qualify, photographers must display a remarkable level of expertise, originality and emotional impact. The competition’s jury, comprising illustrious figures from the international artistic and scientific communities, scrutinises each entry with rigorous standards, selecting those that exemplify excellence and originality.

For Al Rawas, the journey to that recognition was steeped in anticipation — a mixture of hope, anxiety and quiet confidence born from years of relentless pursuit. As he submitted his portfolio, layered with images reflecting Oman’s rich tapestry of wildlife, he knew the significance of this platform. It wasn’t merely about winning; it was about sharing Oman’s natural beauty with the world, about holding up a mirror to a region often misunderstood or overlooked in global narratives.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Al Rawas sees photography as more than mere imagery. For him, it is a powerful tool for environmental advocacy and cultural preservation.
Through his camera, he reveals the often-hidden nuances of bird and animal behaviour — details that require patience, keen observation and a genuine understanding of wildlife in its natural surroundings.

His approach elevates him from a skilled photographer to a dedicated researcher, actively contributing to environmental programmes, workshops and academic publications that underscore the vital link between knowledge and visual storytelling.
Waiting for the results was an emotional rollercoaster. The period following submission involved weeks of silence, punctuated only by fleeting hopes and doubts. Al Rawas, like many others, likely felt a blend of nervousness and pride — hopeful that his work would be recognised among such an elite field, yet aware of how fierce the competition was.

When the announcement finally arrived and his name was called for second place, it would have been a defining moment. The sense of validation — an achievement that transcended personal gratification — resonated far beyond the trophy; it was recognition of Oman’s wilderness and the subtleties of its ecosystem captured through his lens.

His success in that contest paved the way for broader recognition. It came on the heels of earlier milestones, including contributing to the acclaimed National Geographic documentary Arabian Wilderness, which highlighted the region’s ecological diversity and underscored his ability to portray Oman’s natural environment with authenticity. His mastery of advanced techniques, such as drone photography, has expanded his visual repertoire, allowing him to present Oman’s landscapes and wildlife from perspectives once beyond reach.
Locally, his efforts have been recognised by cultural institutions within the Sultanate of Oman, including an honorary recognition from Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture.

But Al Rawas’s story is about more than personal accolades. It is about his role as a custodian of Oman’s environment and culture, an advocate whose work inspires many. His images serve as a bridge — connecting audiences with the often-hidden beauty of Oman’s wilderness, fostering awareness and respect for biodiversity and ecological preservation.
Today, Al Rawas stands as a shining example of how patience, skill and a deep respect for nature can lead to international recognition in a fiercely competitive arena. His journey reminds us that behind every award-winning image is a story of perseverance — of waiting, hoping and ultimately, being honoured for embodying the very essence of “Diversity” — the core theme that made his achievement resonate worldwide.

In that moment of victory, as he absorbed the significance of the accolade, it wasn’t just a triumph for him personally, but a celebration of Oman’s wilderness and a clarion call for its conservation. His legacy is now etched into the global narrative, inspiring a new generation to see the natural world through the eye of a true visionary.