Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk, Abu Dhabi

Traditional fishing boats in Abu Dhabi, in the early morning light

Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk has been running for 11 years. It is held on the first Saturday of October each year when photographers around the world meet up to socialise and take photos of their surroundings. It really is a worldwide phenomenon, as the walks happen annually in nearly 1,000 cities around the world. The walk also supports the Springs of Hope Kenya Orphanage, an organisation that feeds, houses, educates and empowers young orphans, so they can grow up to not just survive, but to succeed.

This year I was lucky enough to join two walks in Abu Dhabi, one beginning at 5:30 am, and the other at 4:30 pm. For both walks, my leader was Marvin Nuto (philosopher, fine artist, professional photographer, educator, and public speaker).

The first walk was around the Al Meena Fish Market. Located on Port Zayed, an important international port for trade. Al Meena Fish Market is one of the few remaining historical areas of Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, the day was hot, humid, and very foggy, but we persevered.

Marvin photographing one of the iconic fish restaurants near the fish market

We walked down the harbourside, where we saw fishermen constructing traditional fishing nets.

These nets are towed behind the fishing boats to trap the fish

We left the quayside and entered the fish market. As we entered through a small door, I was amazed at the size of the place, and how busy it was. Workers were fully engaged in wheeling in and loading the fish onto slabs, ready for sale.

The fish looked and smelled really fresh

This man was delighted to show us the size of this Kingfish

The evening walk started on Manarat Al Saadiyat. This is a purpose-built art and culture centre with many galleries housing collections from both international and local artists. They also hold a number of different exhibits and concerts throughout the year.

There was a really interesting photography exhibition, with wonderful

images by local photographers

The entrance to Manarat Al Saadiyat.

From there we went to the Louvre, Abu Dhabi, in the hopes of capturing some interesting sunset shots. Unfortunately, because of the high temperatures and humidity, we weren’t as successful as we hoped, but we did get some interesting shots.

I like this one of the restaurant in the evening light. What do you think?

Lights gradually coming on inside the museum, as daylight fades

Scot Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk is a great way to explore a city and take home great memories. Thank you Scot Kelby, and my leader on these walks, Marvin Nuto.

Elizabeth Coughlan