Muscat – Omani photographers Hamood bin Hamid Koofan and Qasim al Farsi have made a mark at the Kuwait Aerial Photography Competition, clinching top honours in the highly competitive event. 

The third edition of the competition featured over 300 participants from across the Gulf, who submitted more than 1,000 photographs.

Koofan, hailing from Taqah in Dhofar, secured first place with a stunning image of Al Houta Beach in Rakhyut photographed in the last khareef season. 

His photograph, which captured the serene beauty of Dhofar, won the nature category of the competition and was praised by the jury. 

Farsi, from Samail in Dakhliyah, claimed the second place in the cities and urbanism category with a photograph of a football pitch in the Taiwiyah area of Sur.

Speaking with Muscat Daily, Koofan expressed his joy and pride in the achievement. “I am thrilled to win this recognition. It marks a milestone in my photography career.”  

Koofan started photography in 2014 when he was in school and attributes his success to continuous learning and skill development. Expressing gratitude for the support he has received, he said, “This achievement is not just mine; it belongs to all photographers in Oman.” 

Besides nature and urbanism, the categories included wildlife. The competition aims to highlight the natural and architectural beauty and tourism potential of Gulf cities. It provides photographers a platform to showcase their skills while highlighting the rich cultural and environmental diversity of the region through their lenses.