Meet our jury members

Abdulrahman Al-Ishaq is a cultural strategist and Director of the Teen Hub at Qatar Museums, leading youth empowerment through culture. As former Director of Public Art, he helped shape Qatar's public art landscape during the FIFA World Cup 2022. An architect and urbanist, he previously served as Master Planning Manager at Lusail City. He holds an M.Sc. in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University.

Dr Waseem Kotoub is a medical doctor, concert pianist, composer, and cultural leader whose career bridges healthcare, the arts, and international relations. Trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London, he pioneered music therapy in the Middle East, founding the region's first music therapy centre in 2007. As Country Director of the British Council in Qatar, he leads cultural exchange between the UK and the Middle East, aligning with Qatar's 2030 National Vision.

Eiman Mirghani is a Sudanese filmmaker based in Qatar and founder of FilmMENA, a production house elevating filmmakers across the MENA region. She produced the acclaimed Sudanese short 'Al-Sit', which qualified for the Academy Awards, and directed 'The Bleaching Syndrome' and 'Villa 187' under the mentorship of renowned filmmaker Rithy Panh. In 2025, she developed her upcoming photography project 'MADE IN SUDAN' as a fellow of the VII Foundation x Tasweer's Frame & Focus programme.

Qatari photographer Khalifa Al Obaidly has, since 2002, explored Qatari tradition and culture through the twin themes of desert and sea, most notably the traditional dhow. He served as assistant director at the Museum of Islamic Art, led the transformation of the Msheireb Art Centre, and directed the Fire Station Artist in Residence programme for seven years. He also established the Photo Festival department under Qatar Museums, championing young photographers across the WANA region.

Maryam is a British photographer and photography consultant specialising in visual storytelling and curation, with work exploring identity, migration, and womanhood. Her accolades include awards from The British Journal of Photography and exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery. She has judged competitions for Photoworks and The New Art Gallery Walsall, appeared on BBC's Great British Photography Challenge with Rankin, and was selected by HRH Princess of Wales for the Hold Still project.