• 'Wish' by Hanan Rajab from Bahrain shows a child with a drawing about his hopes to leave self-isolation. The photo received the runner-up prize for the first week of Xposure's #HomeCaptured contest on April 22. Hanan Rajab
    'Wish' by Hanan Rajab from Bahrain shows a child with a drawing about his hopes to leave self-isolation. The photo received the runner-up prize for the first week of Xposure's #HomeCaptured contest on April 22. Hanan Rajab
  • Fatma Zohra Hamici from Algeria won the first prize in the first round of Xposure's weekly #HomeCaptured contest, which asks photographers to send their best shots from home. Fatma Zohra Hamici
    Fatma Zohra Hamici from Algeria won the first prize in the first round of Xposure's weekly #HomeCaptured contest, which asks photographers to send their best shots from home. Fatma Zohra Hamici
  • 'Playing with Bubbles' by Carlo Zamora in the Philippines won the contest in week two
    'Playing with Bubbles' by Carlo Zamora in the Philippines won the contest in week two
  • 'Light Paint' by Klienne Eco in the Philippines was runner-up in week two
    'Light Paint' by Klienne Eco in the Philippines was runner-up in week two
  • 'My Birdie' by Ahmed Lazem in Iraq was the winner for week three
    'My Birdie' by Ahmed Lazem in Iraq was the winner for week three
  • 'Light of Ramadan' by Saad Al Hamady in Iraq, was runner-up in week three
    'Light of Ramadan' by Saad Al Hamady in Iraq, was runner-up in week three
  • 'Prayers' by Sheik Shehriyar in Ajman, won the contest in week four
    'Prayers' by Sheik Shehriyar in Ajman, won the contest in week four
  • 'Memorising Beautiful Moments' by Raj Pawar in India was week four's runner-up
    'Memorising Beautiful Moments' by Raj Pawar in India was week four's runner-up
  • 'We relax with lemon mint tea' by Shyjith Onden Cheriyath in Dubai was week five's winning entry
    'We relax with lemon mint tea' by Shyjith Onden Cheriyath in Dubai was week five's winning entry
  • 'Bee Eye' by Manny Fajutag in Abu Dhabi was runner-up in week five
    'Bee Eye' by Manny Fajutag in Abu Dhabi was runner-up in week five
  • 'Sungka Game' by Don Ferdinand Tabbun in Abu Dhabi was the winner in week six
    'Sungka Game' by Don Ferdinand Tabbun in Abu Dhabi was the winner in week six
  • 'Symmetry' by Swe Tun in Myanmar was runner-up in week six
    'Symmetry' by Swe Tun in Myanmar was runner-up in week six
  • 'Missing Grandpa' by Hussain Al Hashim in Saudi Arabia was one of the contest's shortlisted entries
    'Missing Grandpa' by Hussain Al Hashim in Saudi Arabia was one of the contest's shortlisted entries
  • 'Kite' by Froiland Rivera in the Philippines was one of the contest's shortlisted entries
    'Kite' by Froiland Rivera in the Philippines was one of the contest's shortlisted entries
  • 'Childhood Reflection' by Siddharth Rathod in India was one of the contest's shortlisted entries
    'Childhood Reflection' by Siddharth Rathod in India was one of the contest's shortlisted entries
  • 'Reading Quraan' by Ahmad Saad in Iraq was a shortlisted entry
    'Reading Quraan' by Ahmad Saad in Iraq was a shortlisted entry
  • 'Neon Bubbles' by Afreed Ali in India was a shortlisted entry
    'Neon Bubbles' by Afreed Ali in India was a shortlisted entry
  • 'Namaas' by Feroz Khan in India was a shortlisted entry
    'Namaas' by Feroz Khan in India was a shortlisted entry
  • Photographer Andy Ramos was shortlisted in week two for this image, 'Pray, Stay At Home, Stay Safe', depicting a young girl and her toys wearing facemasks. Andy Ramos
    Photographer Andy Ramos was shortlisted in week two for this image, 'Pray, Stay At Home, Stay Safe', depicting a young girl and her toys wearing facemasks. Andy Ramos
  • Not being able to shoot in nature, photographer Nagoor Meeran Peer Mohamed has fashioned a bird feeding scene using household tools for this shortlisted entry to Xposure's #HomeCaptured contest. Nagoor Meeran Peer Mohamed
    Not being able to shoot in nature, photographer Nagoor Meeran Peer Mohamed has fashioned a bird feeding scene using household tools for this shortlisted entry to Xposure's #HomeCaptured contest. Nagoor Meeran Peer Mohamed
  • A shortlisted submission by Shyjith Onden Cheriyath entitled 'Caged' depicts his son's frustration with self-isolation. Shyjith Onden Cheriyath
    A shortlisted submission by Shyjith Onden Cheriyath entitled 'Caged' depicts his son's frustration with self-isolation. Shyjith Onden Cheriyath
  • 'Life Cycle' by Saad Al Hamady shows a composite with the photographer's six-year-old son. Shortlisted for the #HomeCaptured contest. Saad Al Hamady
    'Life Cycle' by Saad Al Hamady shows a composite with the photographer's six-year-old son. Shortlisted for the #HomeCaptured contest. Saad Al Hamady
  • A shortlisted entry for Xposure's #HomeCaptured contest: 'Productive Way' by Ferdinand Bedana
    A shortlisted entry for Xposure's #HomeCaptured contest: 'Productive Way' by Ferdinand Bedana
  • 'Children' by Miyas Muhammed, from Sharjah, India was shortlisted in week one
    'Children' by Miyas Muhammed, from Sharjah, India was shortlisted in week one
  • 'Sadness', by Emran from Chittagong, Bangladesh was shortlisted in week one
    'Sadness', by Emran from Chittagong, Bangladesh was shortlisted in week one
  • 'Hope' by Zakaria Haddad, from Setif, Algeria was shortlisted in week one
    'Hope' by Zakaria Haddad, from Setif, Algeria was shortlisted in week one
  • 'Taking advantage of time' by Saqr Al Hueishl, from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was shortlisted in week one
    'Taking advantage of time' by Saqr Al Hueishl, from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was shortlisted in week one
  • 'Lady in Turban' by Ali Raheem, from Iraq was shortlisted in week one
    'Lady in Turban' by Ali Raheem, from Iraq was shortlisted in week one
  • 'Children' by Riyas Muhammed, from Sharjah, India was shortlisted for week one
    'Children' by Riyas Muhammed, from Sharjah, India was shortlisted for week one
  • 'Walnuts' by Mohamed Ahmed, from Abu Dhabi was shortlisted in week one
    'Walnuts' by Mohamed Ahmed, from Abu Dhabi was shortlisted in week one
  • 'Spices' by Danish Steiieh, from Dubai was shortlisted in week one
    'Spices' by Danish Steiieh, from Dubai was shortlisted in week one

Quarantine views: 31 of the most striking images from Sharjah's 'Home Captured' photography contest


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi resident Don Ferdinand Tabbun was the final winner of Sharjah’s #HomeCaptured contest, which came to an end on Wednesday, May 27.

The Filipino took home the top prize of $1,000 (Dh3,672) for his submission Sungka Game. The image depicted Sungka, a mancala game from the Philippines whose roots can be traced back to the 17th century. The photograph features Tabbun's son learning to play the traditional board game, as the family stays at home in the capital amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

The contest invited shutterbugs across the world to hone their creative talents and snap images of home life amid the coronavirus

“We were struck by both the content and concept of this image where the small child has been captured from an unusual perspective,” the judges said. “The narrow aperture provides a good depth of field supported by excellent dynamic range and shadow details.”

Take a look through the photo gallery above to see 31 top submissions from the contest.

This week’s runner-up was Swe Tun, who hails from Myanmar and who received prize-winnings of $750. His contribution was hailed by the judges for its “technical capture with a harmonic fusion of vertical symmetry and horizontal asymmetry supported by a robust contrast and pleasing, yet conservative tonal variation”.

The photo contest is an initiative by Xposure International Photography Festival and Sharjah Government Media Bureau. It has run over the course of six weeks and invited shutterbugs across the world to hone their creative talents and snap images of home life amid the coronavirus. This could include everyday moments in the house or views of the outside world through their windows.

A jury of experts evaluated entries received each week and scored them independently on a five-score system based on composition, technical quality, lighting and creativity.

There were two winners each week, amounting to 12 in total.

Look through the gallery below to see 23 more images from UAE photographers reflecting their feelings on the crisis:

  • Untitled, by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
    Untitled, by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
  • One UAE resident shares a photo of her son connecting with the window cleaner at their home. Instagram / @k.q1603
    One UAE resident shares a photo of her son connecting with the window cleaner at their home. Instagram / @k.q1603
  • Untitled, by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
    Untitled, by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
  • 'Though I'm not into a lot of coffee, this is my try at the Dalgona coffee, which went viral during the lockdown', by Winn Gomez
    'Though I'm not into a lot of coffee, this is my try at the Dalgona coffee, which went viral during the lockdown', by Winn Gomez
  • Ras Al Khaimah Covid-19 drive-through testing centre. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Ras Al Khaimah Covid-19 drive-through testing centre. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • 'Come to prayer, come to success (taken from the Azaan)'; a photo of Jumeirah Mosque, by Adnan Nisar
    'Come to prayer, come to success (taken from the Azaan)'; a photo of Jumeirah Mosque, by Adnan Nisar
  • 'The busiest interchange in Dubai now empty', by Haytham El Achkar
    'The busiest interchange in Dubai now empty', by Haytham El Achkar
  • A waiter waits outside his restaurant in Umm Al Quwain. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A waiter waits outside his restaurant in Umm Al Quwain. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • 'An empty Downtown Dubai with a lit Burj Khalifa always standing tall', by Haytham El Achkar
    'An empty Downtown Dubai with a lit Burj Khalifa always standing tall', by Haytham El Achkar
  • A photo of curd rice, by Winn Gomez. 'During the lockdown, I took my hobby indoors, trying to photograph whatever my wife cooks,' he says
    A photo of curd rice, by Winn Gomez. 'During the lockdown, I took my hobby indoors, trying to photograph whatever my wife cooks,' he says
  • Untitled, by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
    Untitled, by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
  • Artist Maitha Demithan has her work show all over Dubai to encourage people to stay at home. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Artist Maitha Demithan has her work show all over Dubai to encourage people to stay at home. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • 'Dubai view', by Mohamed Saquib
    'Dubai view', by Mohamed Saquib
  • Abu Dhabi Police bicycle patrol around the Mussaffah area. Victor Besa / The National
    Abu Dhabi Police bicycle patrol around the Mussaffah area. Victor Besa / The National
  • Abu Dhabi Civil Defence and Police sterilisation drive in Mussafah. Victor Besa / The National
    Abu Dhabi Civil Defence and Police sterilisation drive in Mussafah. Victor Besa / The National
  • Untitled, by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
    Untitled, by Jandri Angelo Aguilor
  • Covid-19 field hospital, set up next to the Ajman Saudi German Hospital. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Covid-19 field hospital, set up next to the Ajman Saudi German Hospital. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • 'Crossroads to nowhere', by Adnan Nisar
    'Crossroads to nowhere', by Adnan Nisar
  • Inked reopened its kitchen in Alserkal Avenue to cook meals for vulnerable communities and front-line healthcare workers. Reem Mohammed / The National
    Inked reopened its kitchen in Alserkal Avenue to cook meals for vulnerable communities and front-line healthcare workers. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • '3.331 million people, 200 nationalities, 4,114 km²... but all one people (Dubai Skyline)', by Adnan Nisar
    '3.331 million people, 200 nationalities, 4,114 km²... but all one people (Dubai Skyline)', by Adnan Nisar
  • People line up in Bur Dubai to receive an iftar pack from volunteers of the Kerala NGO Markaz. Reem Mohammed / The National
    People line up in Bur Dubai to receive an iftar pack from volunteers of the Kerala NGO Markaz. Reem Mohammed / The National
  • Purehealth Covid-19 Screening Centre along Delma Street, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Purehealth Covid-19 Screening Centre along Delma Street, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • 'Deserted Sheikh Zayed road with an empty interchange', by Haytham El Achkar
    'Deserted Sheikh Zayed road with an empty interchange', by Haytham El Achkar
GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

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