The sunset casts a glow on the face of a Qatari woman dressed in traditional attire as she holds a Qatari flag fluttering in the wind at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, in this Nov. 20, 2022 photo. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Qatar, the Embassy of Qatar in Seoul is hosting a special photography exhibition titled "The Pearl of Qatar." The event, organized in collaboration with The Korea Times, aims to highlight the rich culture, traditions and heritage of Qatar through a curated selection of stunning photographs.

The exhibition features 21 photographs taken within Doha by three talented photographers — two Qatari artists, Abdulla Hamdan Al Mannai and Yousuf Mubarak Al Dosari, and one Korean, Choi Won-suk of The Korea Times. Each photographer contributed seven photos to the display.

“Besides myself, two photographers from Qatar are participating in ‘The Pearl of Qatar.' Each of the three photographers has portrayed Qatar in their own unique style,” Choi said.

Choi quoted a photographer he admires who said, "Today, I cleaned my room, and a corner of the earth became cleaner. Today, I captured my daily life, and a part of history was recorded in photographs."

He added, "I believe all three photographers have captured parts of Qatar's history.”

The Pearl of Qatar exhibition poster

These images capture the essence of Qatar's vibrant culture, offering visitors a visual journey through its landscapes, architecture and daily life.

“We tried to break away from the stereotypes often associated with Middle Eastern countries and aimed to capture the unique aspects of daily life in Qatar,” Choi said.

“Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, Qatar has a higher rate of women's participation in society and a higher population of foreign residents. We endeavored to showcase the diversity of Qatar.”

The exhibition will provide an immersive experience, allowing attendees to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Qatari heritage and its contemporary manifestations.

"My photos portray the culture of Qatar from the past and the traditions to the future and our architecture. They capture the essence of our heritage, highlighting how we continue to acknowledge and maintain our culture and traditions through the generations," Al Mannai said. "Each image tells a story of our rich history and our commitment to preserving it while also showcasing our modern advancements. These photos are a testament to the enduring spirit of Qatar and the seamless blend of tradition and progress that defines our country."

The collaboration between the Qatari and Korean photographers symbolizes the strong cultural exchange and mutual respect that has characterized the diplomatic relationship between the two nations over the past five decades.

“Participating in this project has allowed me to foster cultural convergence through photography. I am delighted to have collaborated with a Korean friend on this exhibition, promoting cultural and artistic unity,” Al Dosari said.

The Embassy of Qatar and The Korea Times extend a warm invitation to the public to attend this significant event, which will be held at the Sharp Gallery in Seoul from July 1 to 4.