AUS student wins Kingdom Photography Prize residency for powerful work on urban change in Saudi Arabia

Redha Al Hammad, a media communication undergraduate at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) College of Arts and Sciences, was recently selected from thousands of applicants for a residency program as part of the comprehensive public program organized by Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission alongside its prestigious Kingdom Photography Prize. His selection follows the spring 2025 edition of the photography award which is held annually in Jeddah. The residency aims to champion local talent and develop Saudi photography through public showcases, professional workshops, mentorship and artist commissions.

Originally from Saudi Arabia, Al Hammad grew up between Australia and the UAE. In addition to being a full-time student at AUS’ Department of Media Communication, he is also a practicing photographer and a visual artist, whose work was exhibited as part of Art Jameel’s 2024 Youth Takeover in Dubai.

He says of his nomination for the residency program: “As a young artist, it means a lot when all the ideas you have in your head materialize into real opportunities. I’m beyond grateful for the chance to grow and develop my work with the support of established members of the region’s art scene.”

During the residency, held in May, Al Hammad began developing a project centered on the cultural and environmental significance of freshwater springs in his hometown of Al-Qatif—a theme that reflects his broader interest in urban change and preserving local narratives amid rapid regional transformation.

“[The residency] lasted for three days and was filled with ideation and learning under the guidance of established artists from the region. For the three months following the residency, we [the residents] were paired with one of the artists from the residency. Since then, they have been mentoring us as we develop a project of our choice,” he says.  

He emphasizes that residencies like this support emerging artists' perspectives. “To me, it’s critical that we see more Khaleeji photographers capturing the lived experiences of people in the Gulf.” he says. “Through my research into archival images from the region, I have seen countless images from the early to mid 20th century taken by Western explorers and later by foreign corporations that lack closeness and render the Khaleeji subject as a spectacle or an aesthetic element.”

He adds: “Today, people across the Gulf have an opportunity to produce authentic, personal and meaningful images of their lives and their immediate environments. The privilege of being able to tell your own story is one that should be taken seriously, especially considering the intense change the region is undergoing.”

Photo caption: A selection of Al Hammad’s photographs. Far right is an image Al Hammad took of his mother’s hands when he was only 14 years old. He says: “The image is simple, soft and warm, but it means the world to me. I took the image when I was 14 years old. I’m 20 now and I have yet to take one that comes close.”

He explains that growing up between Australia and the UAE has not only shaped his artistic interests in the themes of home, urban change and wider cultural landscapes, but also made him appreciate his homeland more. 

“Growing up in environments where I was always seen as different made my hometown of Al-Qatif into a place of solace. I didn’t have to water down my accent or feel the need to explain myself; it immediately felt very safe. As I got older, my bond with my homeland grew, and continues to grow, the more I realized how special our hyperlocal culture was,” he says. “I fell in love with the idea of photographing, creating narratives and sharing our lived experience as a way of preserving our culture. As is the case with most cities in the Gulf, things are changing pretty quickly and the world we live in today no longer looks like the one I hear my parents, aunts and uncles tell stories about. I try to tell stories about how things are today, while always holding the stories of the past close to my heart. I create these stories through projects that merge research and narrative in a way that mimics our tradition of oral history.”

Photo caption: Al Hammad says of his work: “I believe that there is always something universal in the specific. No matter how niche the topic is, I aim to create work with a sense of humanity and empathy that anyone can identify with. The biggest compliment I’ve received is someone from halfway across the world telling me my work reminds them of home.”

Al Hammad says of his experience at AUS so far: “I transferred to AUS from NYU Abu Dhabi last year. Since joining, I have found a community that is very supportive of my work as an artist and been lucky enough to be surrounded by faculty and peers who encourage my creative pursuits  beyond university.”

"Al Hammad’s selection stems from an undying creative curiosity and drive to better himself across various media practices," says Assistant Professor Bentley Brown, who taught him in a digital video skills course within the Media Communication department. "It's exciting to see work that is grounded in a high level of critical thinking and questions about the region's future."

Looking to the future, Al Hammad says: “The freshwater springs in Qatif have long been a vital part of our community’s lived experience.  Today, most springs have dried up, but the stories surrounding them still flow. After the three months of mentoring are complete, I’ll have the opportunity to submit my work to Hayy Jameel to be exhibited there.”

“Going forward, I hope more people my age from the region are able to engage in similar programs and residencies, they’re so valuable for emerging artists,” he concludes.

For more information about the Department of Media Communications programs, please click here.