Dubai
When Ramadan, a month associated with generosity of spirit and charity, arrived this year, we asked our reader photographers on Facebook to capture images based on the theme of ‘Giving’.
It was an apt theme for the month, as plenty of picture opportunities presented themselves around the emirates. From mosques to the Ramadan Fridges initiative, people were distributing food, water and clothes to those in need.
In December 2016, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, declared 2017 as the Year of Giving.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, talked about the significance of the year, when the decision was announced. He wrote: “When people spend their lives accumulating material assets and wealth, they quickly learn that there is no meaning in life unless they share their wealth in the service of others. No one can feel fulfilled until he or she starts ‘giving’ to make a difference.”
The picture competition was opened up to voting by our Facebook readers, and they selected the top three winners, by liking the picture that they found best captured the theme. Here, we present the winners.
Editor’s note: If you would like to participate, log on to Gulf News’ Facebook page and send in your submission for July’s Facebook Reader Picture Competition.
FIRST PLACE
Dipesh Kotwani, who uses the instagram handle @dipesh.kotwani, captured this image outside a mosque in Jumeirah, Dubai. He said: “I visited a mosque and got to spend some time with people who were gathered around to end their fast. They were kind enough to offer me food to eat with them, and I felt like I was part of an extended family.”
His picture came in first place, with 225 votes on Facebook.
SECOND PLACE
Rowell M. Paglicawan’s photograph was taken at a mosque in Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi. He said: “I really wanted to take pictures of iftar in the UAE, because it showed our Muslim brothers express their hospitality – everyone was sharing all the food they had, and asking passersby on the street to join them. During iftar, you can see the true meaning of Ramadan.”
His picture received 122 likes on Facebook.
THIRD PLACE
Nachu Seena’s picture was offbeat, and stepped away from the realm of humankind to depict how birds give and share. He captured this picture in Al Safa Park, Dubai and said: “This shows a mother’s love.”
Gulf News reader Nahk Nafri wrote in response, on our Facebook page: “This is the best example of giving. The mum has the food in the same mouth she uses for eating, but she is choosing to give it to her baby.”
Seena’s picture received 117 likes on Facebook.
