Imagery is an important part of how Abu Dhabi is perceived both as a modern Emirate and as a place that respects its culture and heritage. As part of its remit to connect citizens and residences with the Emirate, the Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi (OBAD) manages an annual photography competition ‘Abu Dhabi Through Your Eyes’, inviting citizens and residences to capture the true essence of the Emirate on camera.

Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,
The Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi (OBAD) launched the photographic competition “Abu Dhabi through Your Eyes 2009” for its second year, whereby more than 4,000 competition entries were received from 77 different nationalities all keen to enter the competition.

JBM was commissioned to Create an artistic event which captures the spirit and essence of Abu Dhabi while showcasing the works of talented artists who have a unique perspective. The awards were presented on a large 32 wide meter screen using Watchout and the content was based on mosaic-like / pixel formation animations that reflected the digital world of photography today.  We also wanted to evoke the size of the competition through fragments of images coming together to make up a larger image.  The pre-function was unique because we had a music band playing suspended in the air as a gateway for people to enter the main hall where the Awards would take place.