Quiet roads, empty mosques, deserted fairgrounds: these are the scenes that encapsulate the coronavirus crisis for photographers living in the UAE.
The National contacted a few budding artists across the Emirates, to see how they've been capturing the moment during the country's national disinfection programme.
While some have been incredibly active in their work, others have struggled to find inspiration. "I haven't picked up my digital camera for weeks now and it's impossible to send film rolls for processing, so that means I have to start from scratch," says Dubai resident Jandri Angelo Aguilor.
Still, his images taken around Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are particularly poignant and striking.
Haytham Achkar, on the other hand, has enjoyed capturing his excellent series of pictures that focus mainly on Sheikh Zayed Road and an empty downtown area. "They are all taken by a camera from rooftops," he explains.
Achkar, alongside Bachir Moukarzel, also worked on the video of drone footage showing the city's empty streets, which went viral online. "But photography has always been my passion," he says. "And it was different to be able to capture the silence of Dubai through my pictures."
Elsewhere, Winn Gomez started shooting his life indoors instead of looking outside. In particular, he worked on his food photography, as his wife began to cook up all sorts of new creations. "With a lot of time on our hands, we started going back to basics and cooking in earthen pots, using more natural ingredients, and not really ordering in any food," he says.
Look through the photo gallery above to see more on how the UAE's photographers are capturing the crisis.
ENGLAND SQUAD
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Under 19 Cricket World Cup, Asia Qualifier
Fixtures
Friday, April 12, Malaysia v UAE
Saturday, April 13, UAE v Nepal
Monday, April 15, UAE v Kuwait
Tuesday, April 16, UAE v Singapore
Thursday, April 18, UAE v Oman
UAE squad
Aryan Lakra (captain), Aaron Benjamin, Akasha Mohammed, Alishan Sharafu, Anand Kumar, Ansh Tandon, Ashwanth Valthapa, Karthik Meiyappan, Mohammed Faraazuddin, Rishab Mukherjee, Niel Lobo, Osama Hassan, Vritya Aravind, Wasi Shah
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
