When these women pick up a camera, they bring the whole weight of their experience, their vision, and their courage to every shot. Some find beauty in the everyday, some chase the wild, and some turn the camera on themselves and their communities. And each tells her story. 

These four are just a piece of the bigger picture — but each of them stands out for their voice, vision, and the way they see the world.

Suaad isn’t just the UAE’s first female wildlife photographer — she is a bit of a legend among nature-lovers here. Born in Abu Dhabi, she grew up surrounded by animals, but it was only later (after studying engineering in Pennsylvania) that she started pursuing photography seriously, first capturing birds along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. After graduation, Suaad followed her heart into architecture at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where she racked up plenty of accolades — but it was always the call of nature that kept pulling her back.

She is known for trekking into the desert at sunrise just to get the right shot of Arabian oryx, flamingos, or foxes — and she is just as comfortable snapping tigers in India or lions in Africa. For Suaad, it is about patience: she’ll wait for hours in the heat for one magical moment.

A pure energy in human form, and her camera is never far from her hand. Born in Dubai, she picked up a camera in 2007 and hasn’t looked back since. But what really sets Ola apart is her gift for building community — she founded Foto UAE, a creative hub that is trained and inspired hundreds of local photographers (many of them women), and she is always hosting photowalks and exhibitions all over the city.

Ola’s own portfolio is a vibrant love letter to Emirati street life: portraits of abaya-clad grandmothers, kids playing in sunlit alleys, iconic Dubai skylines. She believes capturing these everyday moments is one of the most powerful ways to preserve culture and heritage.

She is also famous for her fearless self-portraits — Ola doesn’t hesitate to step in front of her own lens, making a statement about women’s presence in the arts.

Mahra is a name you’ll hear more and more in the UAE art world — especially if you are keeping an eye on the next wave of photographers. She is always searching for something hidden, whether she is wandering the city on a photowalk or exploring far-off places. Mahra’s real talent lies in finding people’s stories and capturing them in thoughtful, honest photos. 

Through her lens, the rich heritage of the region comes alive — so much so that even someone from abroad could easily fall in love with it.

Alia Sultan Aljoker is a storyteller at heart, documenting the rapidly changing face of Emirati life. Born and raised in Dubai’s Deira neighborhood, her photos often capture the clash and harmony between tradition and futuristic ambitions.

One of her most iconic images, now viral, came just before the UAE’s Mars mission launch: an elderly woman holding a sign saying “We’ve reached Mars.” She stood under a sidr tree in Fujairah — an image that became a symbol of hope, resilience, and national pride, all captured at the cusp of history.

A grandmother lacing up fresh sneakers. A hand clutching a kettlebell or boxing glove alongside traditional jewelry. A UFC championship belt held by an Emirati woman. Henna-stained hands, stories in every wrinkle. Alia’s photos are all about celebrating heritage—she finds the beauty in the mix of old and new, tradition and ambition, and shows just how much power there is in our roots