Manal Al-Dabbagh, with persistence and determination, became the first woman sports photographer in Saudi Arabia. She has proved this with the distinctive pictures she had taken of many sporting events across the Gulf states and Arab world and proved to be creative as well as successful.
Who is Manal Al-Dabbagh?
I am a wife and a mother of two sons and three daughters. I got married when I was 16 years old and the first work I’ve done is to get training for a period of six months in typing and computer. Now I work as head of photographers at the Al-Watan newspaper in Qatar. I see myself as hardworking as much as any of my colleagues in this field, and I always strive to make each photograph I take tell a story and express itself the moment it’s looked at.
What have been your experiences in this field?
I ventured out of my house to explore what is going on around me, and I looked for a job as a typist but there was no demand for female typists. Then I worked in marketing and became a marketing manager. I then worked in advertising. Circumstances and my experience in marketing led me to a job as a photography studio manager, where I worked alongside my friend as photographers for weddings and events. I gained a lot of photographic skills through my work at the studio and learned every single detail there was to learn about professional photography, and it became my career, which captivated me and which I love. With time, I believe I have managed to leave my unique stamp in this profession.
Why did you choose stillphotography?
Although I am efficient at using and setting up video cameras at social events, I chose stillphotography, and photographing sporting events provided me with many opportunities and that’s why I stuck with it.
How did you polish your skills?
I polished my skills by reading a lot and learning about different cameras. I also took various specialized courses so I could become more professional in the field of photography.
What challenges did you encounter in this field?
There is no work without some kind of challenge or difficulties, including in my profession; one of them being physical and another financial. However, Thank God I managed to overcome all obstacles, especially since I received a lot of support from fellow colleagues, who made forget some of my woes.
Why did you choose Qatar for the pursuit of your career?
It happened by chance I didn’t really plan for it to happen, it just did. I got a wonderful opportunity to work in Qatar, and to me Qatar, UAE and Saudi are one and the same, since we all belong to the same region.
Who are the most famous sports personalities you took photographs of?
The photographs I took in the world of sports are so many. However, some of those that stand out were photographs of Maradoña, other world-class athletes and famous managers.
Do you find satisfaction working in the world of sports?
In every profession there is satisfaction and joy as long as you love it and that’s what is important.
You are the first Saudi woman in this profession, were you accepted by sportsmen and athletes despite being a woman?
The world of sports and athletics is an honorable world of competition and chivalry, so I didn’t find any difficulties simply because I am a woman. On the contrary, I received a lot of help, support and respect from all those around me, and this is what encouraged me even more to continue in this field.
Have you received any awards for your expertise in the field of photography?
Yes, in 2010 I received the “Muftaha” award and I am very proud of it.
What ambitions have Manal Al-Dabbagh achieved and what more do you aim to achieve?
My ambitions are boundless, and I still believe there is more success to be had, and I believe that all who strive to succeed — arrive. I have many future plans but I am waiting for the right opportunity to start my own project, and with God’s blessings I will.
How to you find Saudi women in the work market, is she creative and what does she lack?
I have said this before; the Saudi woman needs only to take the first steps to overcome social and mental obstacles, and once she does that, she can become the scientist, the genius and the creative force in all professions. For knowledge has become within our reach, from our own homes, just as easy as getting food and water.
