‘7 Princeses’ by Steve McCurry

Twenty inspirational Emirati women were photographed by Steve McCurry, throughout the 7 Emirates, each photograph a reflection of the crucial roles of the contemporary, vibrant and dynamic Emirati woman

Under the official patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, The Empty Quarter was honored to present their latest photography exhibition, '7 Princesses', a collaboration with photographer Steve McCurry, at Fairmont The Palm, in the company of many local and regional dignitaries, VIPs and royalty.

HE Sheikh Nahyan inaugurated the exhibition with a walk-through of '7 Princesses' in the company of Steve McCurry, and the partners of The Empty Quarter, HRH Princess Reem Al Saud and Managing Partner Safa Al Hamed.

L-R: Steve McCurry, Sheikh Nahyan, Princess Reem, Safa Al Hamed, Sebastian Ebbinghaus / Courtesy of The Empty Quarter

Last November, twenty inspirational Emirati women were photographed by Steve McCurry, throughout the 7 Emirates, each photograph a reflection of the crucial roles of the contemporary, vibrant and dynamic Emirati woman. The objective behind '7 Princesses' is to actively build bridges between the UAE and international cultures presenting a unique and avant-garde point of view regarding the role of Emirati women within the society and their international influences.

From the opening, twenty Emirati women with Steve McCurry and distinguished guests / Courtesy of The Empty Quarter

â€œSteve McCurry is one of our muses in photography, he is the king of light. I am delighted to work with him on this project because he has his own unique way to tell stories and bring images alive. This project will give all cultures a chance to explore and understand the enlightenment of Emirati women through these images,â€ says Safa Al Hamed, Managing Partner of The Empty Quarter. â€œOur vision is to create a centre of photography. We want to promote photographers both in the Middle East and internationally.â€

'7 Princesses' is the first collaborative exhibition between Steve McCurry and The Empty Quarter and his second solo show with the gallery.

â€œIâ€™ve been working with The Empty Quarter for a number of years and find them to be not only one of the best galleries in the Middle East, but also in the world. Photographing the seven Emirates for 7 Princesses, I was very intrigued and thought this would be a great new adventure and experience. I look forward to launching this very unique project with these incredibly accomplished women, from all of the seven Emirates,â€ says photographer Steve McCurry.

Highlights from the Exhibition

The '7 Princesses' exhibition is on view from March 16 to April 16, at The Empty Quarter in DIFC.

â€œOur Fairmont and Raffles hotels have a long affinity with the arts and local culture, and partnering with one of the most prestigious photography galleries in the region best resonates with our brand valuesâ€ said Sami Nasser, Senior Vice President, Operations, Middle East, Africa& India, FRHI Hotels & Resorts, one of the sponsors for the â€˜7 Princessesâ€™ project.

The Empty Quarter - Fine Art Photography is the only gallery in Dubai devoted exclusively to fine art photography and serving a rapidly growing membership of artists and photo enthusiasts. The gallery was co-founded by Saudi Arabian Princess HRH Reem Al â€“ Faisal and Emirati Safa Al-Hamed in 2009 with the mission to expand the understanding and appreciation of photography as an artistic medium. The gallery deals with young emerging and established photographers.