Yousef Al-Habshi, an accomplished Emirati photographer, has dedicated his craft to the fascinating realms of “macro” and “micro” photography. Since acquiring his first camera in 2010, Al-Habshi has been captivated by the intricacies of close-up photography, immersing himself in a world where even the tiniest details come to life. Al-Habshi’s exceptional talent has earned him numerous accolades, both locally and internationally. He boasts an impressive collection of international gold medals, with one of his most notable achievements being the consecutive first place wins at the Emirates International Photography Contest in 2012 and 2013. His exceptional skills and artistic vision have also been recognized by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who honoured Al-Habshi for his remarkable achievements.
On the international stage, Yousef Al-Habshi achieved a significant milestone by winning first place in the prestigious “Nikon Small Worlds” competition, specializing in scientific micro-photography. He became the first Arab and Emirati to claim this coveted title since the competition’s inception in 1975. This remarkable achievement showcases Al-Habshi’s ability to capture the hidden beauty of the microscopic world and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of his craft. Al-Habshi’s talent extends beyond the realm of competitions and exhibitions. He has curated a series of individual and joint exhibitions, including his first scientific photographic exhibition in collaboration with the University of New York Abu Dhabi in 2016. This groundbreaking exhibition explored the scientific aspects of composition and the characteristics of composite eyes, captivating audiences with its unique blend of art and science. Al-Habshi has also participated in international exhibitions in China, such as the “Three Shadows” exhibition in Datong City, which fostered a collaborative partnership between the festival administration and the Hamdan Bin Mohammed International Photography Award (HIPA). Furthermore, he showcased his works at the International Festival of Photography (Xposure) in Sharjah in 2018.
In 2019, Al-Habshi’s talent was showcased at “The Unseen” exhibition held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent photographer. This exhibition allowed audiences to explore the hidden wonders of the natural world through Al-Habshi’s lens, providing a glimpse into the extraordinary beauty that often goes unnoticed. Al-Habshi’s contributions to the scientific community are equally remarkable. He has shared his captivating images of insects and their intricate parts with several foreign universities, enabling new scientific projects and specialized studies. His works have also served as valuable resources for students conducting academic research and graduation projects in the field of entomology. The impact of Al-Habshi’s photography extends beyond the realm of exhibitions and scientific collaborations. His remarkable images have graced the pages of National Geographic Al Arabiya Magazine, a prominent media platform that recognized the exceptional quality of his work. The magazine featured Al-Habshi’s photographs as the main content for their 2016 calendar, showcasing the remarkable diversity and beauty of the natural world. His photographs have also been published in local newspapers, specialized photography magazines, and agricultural pest awareness publications, spreading awareness about the delicate balance of nature and the impact of pests on agricultural ecosystems. Yousef Al-Habshi’s extraordinary talent, dedication, and passion for micro and macro photography have solidified his position as a renowned artist in the Emirati and international photography community.