From underwater wildlife to Arabian Gulf seascapes, photographers can turn ocean moments into conservation stories.
- The One Ocean Photo Contest welcomes UAE residents aged ten and above.
- Four categories celebrate marine wildlife, conservation and Arabian Region biodiversity.
- Twelve winning photographs will feature in a year-long exhibition.
- Winners receive exclusive experiences, including a special dugong encounter.
A photograph of a sea turtle gliding through turquoise water or a dugong grazing across a seagrass meadow can tell a story that words sometimes struggle to capture. Along the UAE’s Arabian Gulf coastline, marine biodiversity offers plenty of moments worth documenting. Now, photography enthusiasts have an opportunity to turn those encounters into something bigger through the Marine Photography UAE community initiative at Yas SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
The Yas SeaWorld® Research & Rescue Center has opened its annual One Ocean Photo Contest, inviting UAE citizens and residents aged 10 and above to submit photographs celebrating marine life and ocean conservation. There’s more at stake than a winning photograph. The initiative encourages participants to look closer at the ecosystems beneath the surface and share why protecting them matters.
For younger photographers aged 10 to 17, the Youth category provides an opportunity to capture the marine world through their own perspective. Adults aged 18 and above can enter three additional categories, each focusing on a different aspect of ocean biodiversity.
The Marine Conservation Message category welcomes photographs that communicate sustainability, responsible behaviour and ocean protection. Meanwhile, Marine Wildlife celebrates the creatures inhabiting our oceans, while Arabian Region Marine Environment focuses specifically on the landscapes, seascapes and marine life found across the region. Think coastal textures, underwater encounters and the natural beauty of the Arabian Gulf.
There’s room for different creative approaches. Entries will be judged on creativity, visual impact, storytelling, perspective and the photographer’s connection to the marine environment.
Beyond Abu Dhabi’s familiar waterfront views, the surrounding waters support an extraordinary range of marine species. According to the UAE Government, more than 500 fish species inhabit Gulf waters, alongside dugongs, dolphins and marine turtles.
One particularly fascinating resident is the dugong, locally known as Baqrat albahar. Abu Dhabi supports the world’s second-largest dugong population, with around 3,000 animals protected through conservation efforts. These marine mammals depend heavily on seagrass meadows, making habitat protection essential to their survival. That’s what makes this contest particularly relevant to the region. A compelling photograph can help audiences notice marine habitats and wildlife they might otherwise overlook.
For the photographers whose entries stand out, the rewards extend beyond recognition. Twelve winners will have their photographs exhibited at the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center for an entire year and included in the Center’s 2027 calendar.
First and second-place winners across the categories will also receive prizes and exclusive experiences, including VIP behind-the-scenes tours of the research and rescue facility. There’s an especially memorable opportunity waiting for some winners: a special meet-and-greet with Malquot the Dugong.
Submissions close on 10 November 2026, leaving photographers just days to prepare their entries. Explore the categories and submit photographs through the official One Ocean Photo Contest page.
To learn more about the One Ocean Photo Contest and submit an entry, please visit: https://www.seaworldabudhabi.com/en/competition/one-ocean-photo-contest
