His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan inaugurates '7 princesses'

The Empty Quarter presents 7 princesses by Steve Mccurry

10 March 2015 – Under the official patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, The Empty Quarter was honored to present their latest photography exhibition, 7 Princesses, a collaboration with photographer Steve McCurry, at Fairmont The Palm, in the company of many local and regional dignitaries, VIPs and royalty.

HE Sheikh Nahyan inaugurated the exhibition with a walk-through of 7 Princesses in the company Steve McCurry, and the partners of The Empty Quarter, HRH Princess Reem Al Saud and Managing Partner Safa Al Hamed.

Last November, twenty inspirational Emirati women were photographed by Steve McCurry, throughout the 7 Emirates, each photograph a reflection of the crucial roles of the contemporary, vibrant and dynamic Emirati woman. The objective behind 7 Princesses is to actively build bridges between the UAE and international cultures presenting a unique and avant-garde point of view regarding the role of Emirati women within the society and their international influences.

“Steve McCurry is one of our muses in photography, he is the king of light. I am delighted to work with him on this project because he has his own unique way to tell stories and bring images alive. This project will give all cultures a chance to explore and understand the enlightenment of Emirati women through these images,” says Safa Al Hamed, Managing Partner of The Empty Quarter. “Our vision is to create a centre of photography. We want to promote photographers both in the Middle East and internationally.”

7 Princesses is the first collaborative exhibition between Steve McCurry and The Empty Quarter and his second solo show with the gallery.

“I've been working with The Empty Quarter for a number of years and find them to be not only one of the best galleries in the Middle East, but also in the world. Photographing the seven Emirates for 7 Princesses, I was very intrigued and thought this would be a great new adventure and experience. I look forward to launching this very unique project with these incredibly accomplished women, from all of the seven Emirates,” says photographer Steve McCurry.

The 7 Princesses exhibition will open to the public from 10 March to 13 March, at Fairmont The Palm, followed by public gallery opening from 16 March to 16 April, at The Empty Quarter in DIFC.

“Our Fairmont and Raffles hotels have a long affinity with the arts and local culture, and partnering with one of the most prestigious photography galleries in the region best resonates with our brand values” said Sami Nasser, Senior Vice President, Operations, Middle East, Africa & India, FRHI Hotels & Resorts, one of the sponsors for the ‘7 Princesses' project.