Jameela’s Fixed Gaze on Landscapes (@j_amii)

Jameela Ahli’s affinity for spotting historical locations makes her one of Dubai’s well-known adventurers.

My first inclination upon interviewing Jameela Ahli is that she is a camera-wielding photographer. Little did I know that those captivating pictures posted on her Instagram page were taken by her iPhone. She dismisses the thought of simply labeling herself as a photographer but prefers to be identified as an explorer. “I don’t care about getting a good shot as much as exploring more locations,” she states. The quality of her pictures, on the other hand, suggests a keen eye for the underestimated beauty of vast plains.

The passionate 28-year-old began going on trips around the country in early 2016. Her first exploration trip, which was to Shuwaihat Island, happened after seeing a photo of the rock formations on Instagram. Upon further scientific research, Ahli made the four-hour drive across the country with no promise of scenic areas on the way there. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she says. “But the risk paid off when I saw how beautiful the rock formations were.” Ahli was at the forefront of exploration, expanding on the idea of a road trip with promises of discoveries, like her recent trip to the Palace of Queen Sheba in Ras Al-Khaimah. In the village of Shamal lies at the ruins of the Palace, but Ahli’s profound images only strengthen the story of a 500-year old legend and dare to document important details as well. “I want people to see what I’m seeing and show them how beautiful the place is,” she says.

Her most notable collaboration is with Apple. After being approached by the company to capture the moon using a telescope, the photo is displayed on a billboard at Jumeirah Beach Walk, illustrating the precision and quality of using an iPhone. Drones are another way for her to shoot from above such as the Musandam Governorate.

In addition to photography, competing in chess tournaments is also one of her passions and her appointment in the national team in 2014 only goes to show how passionate she is about engaging herself mentally. In her time playing chess, Ahli won the bronze medal which earned her the title of “Candidate Master”. Even on the board, she manages to put her best piece forward, getting creative with strategies and then using different tactics and taking risks to get the best position. It is completely intriguing to view her handful of photos playing chess on the beach, and it further links to her desire for challenges.

One place she’d love to visit in the future? “The Socotra Island near Yemen,” she answers. “The landscape is out of this world.” It seems unthinkable to visit a place recognized for its fragile ecosystem, but she is enthusiastic. “The places that are difficult to get to is part of the adventure.”