The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD, has announced the winners of the Al Wathba Photography Competition, which ran on EAD’s Instagram account from November to April 30th, 2016.
The competition encouraged professional and amateur photographers to capture creative images that reflect Al Wathba Wetland Reserve’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Participation from the public was excellent with 180 unique and impactful photos taken by 95 photographers from UAE and abroad.
The winning photos were chosen by a jury comprising of a group of journalists and photographers. Winners were awarded with prizes worth a total of AED 24,000.
The 1st place winner in the Professional Category was Nuwair Mahdi Al Hajeri, 2nd place by Ignacio P. Reyes II and 3rd place by Mustafa Jindi. The winner of 1st place in the Amateur Category was Mohamed Rageh Gohar, Saleh Awadh Al-Tamimi was awarded 2nd place and 3rd place was won by Edwin Mendoza.
Winning photos and all entries submitted for the Al Wathba Photography Competition can be viewed on EAD’s Instagram account.
EAD organised a ceremony to honour the winners of the competition, which was attended by Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Biodiversity and Marine Biodiversity Sector and Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management.
Dr. Dhaheri said, "The competition is in line with EAD’s efforts to enhance the relationship between the public and nature and to enhance their responsibilities to protect the environment and preserve the Emirate’s natural heritage. We are encouraging photographers to visit Al Wathba Wetland Reserve to capture images reflecting the beauty of the nature.
During the ceremony, EAD also honoured a number of environmental volunteers who contributed to recent environmental activities to increase environmental awareness and highlight the environmental challenges facing the country.
The 5 sq. km. Al Wathba wetland reserve, is located just 45 km southeast of Abu Dhabi Island, and is home to over 250 bird species that depend on this unique ecosystem for nesting, feeding and/or breeding. It provides a safe refuge for many other species of reptiles, small mammals and insects, and is an important area for biodiversity conservation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Source: WAM