Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, is hosting a special photography exhibition, ‘Art from the Heart’, at Mall of the Emirates that portrays the Holy Month through the creative eyes of 12 talented people of determination until June 16.

Mall of the Emirates is celebrating the Year of Zayed by giving a group of young people, who are part of the Special Photography Programme by Asateer Events, the opportunity to showcase their photography skills in an exclusive ‘Art from the Heart’ photography exhibition. The budding photographers have recorded distinctive elements of Mall of the Emirates’ interior, such as Ramadan decor and architectural details for a series of expressive photos that are displayed in the Luxury Wing of the mall.

Asateer offers employment opportunities and creative activities to people of determination. The organisation was founded by Dubai resident Mohamed Younes, a special needs educationalist and photographer from Egypt. Its ‘Special Photographer’ project, launched in 2013, is for service users who have shown promise in photography. All undertake training tailored to their abilities and are supported with a programme of excursions, exhibitions and more.

Why was the Special Photography Programme initiated?

The programme was launched to highlight and develop the photography skills of people of determination. The programme equips them with the right tools that will enable them to pursue a career in photography and support themselves financially in the future.

How many photographers from the programme are part of Art from the Heart?

There are 12 photographers who are between 18 to 25 years old.

How long have the photographers been part of the programme?

The Special Photography Project started with four photographers in 2013 and has grown to include 15 photographers now

What is their photography style and topics of interest?

They all have different styles, some of them are interested in nature, while the others are interested in capturing human moments and beautiful architecture.

How does Asateer Events support them to hone their skills?

They are supported in several ways. The founder organises local trips to hone their photography skills in different places and environments. They also facilitate their participation in different exhibitions and social events, giving them a chance to highlight their skills and the exposure so that companies can identify their talents. They also organise photography exhibitions for them and work with other institutions to provide support by inviting them to cover their events and activities.

How will they benefit from this creative project?

The creative project with Mall of the Emirates provides them an outlet to get creative with the Ramadan theme, allows them to further their skills and also provides them the exposure needed to build a sustainable career in photography so that they can support themselves financially.

The Art from the Heart exhibition is in collaboration with Asateer Events is displayed in the Luxury Wing of Mall of the Emirates from June 3 until June 16.

For further information please visit www.malloftheemirates.com, www.facebook.com/MallOfTheEmirates, or www.instagram.com/malloftheemirates