Slideshow

Your Bio

I gave photography up as a hobby almost 18 years ago but sometime in late 2006 got the bug back ... with a vengeance! The photos you see are ones I've taken since that time; particularly of places I've visited in this period.

Although home is Saudi Arabia, I'm lucky that my work allows me to travel all over the world and accordingly prefer to theme my galleries to the cities I've visited and, being an architect, buildings I've been inspired by.

I have created a 'Favourites' gallery where I've selected a group of my favourite photos for easy viewing. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did taking them and please feel free to leave me a comment on a photo or gallery you like!

Best regards,

Hisham

Galleries

Favourites : My favourite photos collected from all galleries.

Favourites

My favourite photos collected from all galleries.

Updated: Jul 04, 2009 1:14am PST

Oslo : As part of an architectural assignment I visited Oslo to collaborate with the reknowned architectural firm Snohetta (designers of the Aga Khan award winning Biblioteca Alexandrina)... These photos were taken on the rare occasions I had off work ... Having peviously visited the Scandinavian city of Copenhagen and now on assignment in Oslo, I've started to develop a deep & genuine respect for and appreciation of the civilised Scandinavian culture and people as well as their beautiful cities and countryside. In the 2008 "Failed States Index", Norway came in at last place (i.e the best in the world!).

Oslo

As part of an architectural assignment I visited Oslo to collaborate w ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2009 1:40pm PST

3ngawy House : The home of architect and thinker Dr. Sami Angawy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is an exceptional example of traditional Arabic / Hejazi architecture. Built with fastidious attention to detail; every inch within the house speaks of a great labor of love. The house took four years to build with both craftsmen and materials being brought from all over the Arab world. The domes were built by a father and son team brought over from Egypt specialising in mud brick dome construction. Sustainable design is a key feature throughout the house Dr. Sami's house is more than just a home for him and his family, it is a cultural oasis in Jeddah where he regularly hosts lectures, concerts and discussions, often on a weekly basis. No photographs can do this exceptional work justice; it must be visited to be experienced and with Dr. Sami's reknowned hospitality and generosity of spirit, that is not so difficult to do.

3ngawy House

The home of architect and thinker Dr. Sami Angawy in Jeddah, Saudi Ara ...

Updated: Jul 04, 2009 1:12am PST

Riyadh : Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, home to one of the most conservative cultures on earth. Despite public photography being somewhat difficult, over time I will be attempting to highlight some images illustrating some of the main characteristics and features of this unique city. However it is no accident there are limited people shots on this gallery! This gallery is a project in progress and will be building it up gradually so be sure to return!

Riyadh

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, home to one of the most conservative ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2008 1:39am PST

Jeddah : Known locally as the *Bride of the Red Sea*..this cosmopolitan port city has for centuries played host & gateway to millions of travellers seeking access to Islam's two holiest shrines in Makkah & Madinah. Jeddah is a true melting pot for people from different cultures. Historically, Jeddah also provided shelter and accommodation to many an Arabist including T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia) and the eccentric St. John Philby, known locally by his chosen name 'Abdallah' Philby.

Jeddah

Known locally as the *Bride of the Red Sea*..this cosmopolitan port ci ...

Updated: May 31, 2009 11:55am PST

Puncak : After spending the new year in Bali I went back to Jakarta for a couple of days ... while I was there was advised to visit Puncak (pronounced punshak); an Indonesian mountain retreat about a hundred kilometers south of Jakarta. I'm really glad I did. I went up there with a friend (photo #10) mid-week when it was quiet ...apparently the area becomes densely populated with Jakartans over the weekend escaping the city hustle n bustle, heat and humidity. The area is stunningly beautiful and there I got to see the real beauty of Indonesia. Indonesia is a country I definitely intend to visit again hoping to explore the many different regions with their own unique cultures, traditions and landscape ... next time I'll make sure I'm not there during the rainy season!

Puncak

After spending the new year in Bali I went back to Jakarta for a coupl ...

Updated: May 24, 2008 9:54am PST

Bali : I was invited by one of my best friends to celebrate the new year in Bali. At first I was reluctant to accept the offer due to work commitments but finally relented. Bali is a fragment of paradise that fell on earth. There can be no doubting the beauty and serenity of the place. Moreover there is much to be learnt from the Balinese who despite their poverty seem totally content and peaceful with their lot in life. I didn't get a chance to take as many photos as I'd hoped a) due to the weather which continued to rain much of the time I spent there and b) I enjoyed the company of the group too much to want to go off on my own taking photos.

Bali

I was invited by one of my best friends to celebrate the new year in B ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 3:03am PST

Cairo : This was my first non-business visit to Cairo in 22 years and although the city is crowded, dirty, decaying, impoverished and noisy yet still it beats with a big heart like few other cities I've known .... there is never a dull moment and one can't help loving the place ... I felt genuinely sad as I was about to leave.

Cairo

This was my first non-business visit to Cairo in 22 years and although ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 3:13am PST

Lebanon : As I was being driven up the mountain viewing some of the most dazzling landscapes I've seen in the Middle East, the driver recounted to me some of the most harrowing of Lebanon's war stories ... the contrast between the physical beauty of the country and the horror of its recent political history summed up for me this country's tragic legacy.

Lebanon

As I was being driven up the mountain viewing some of the most dazzlin ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 3:15am PST

Dubai : Dubai is a giant theme park under construction. It is a city I have mixed feelings about but am ultimately fascinated by .... It is developing its own buzz and vibe like many of the world's great cities..... I enjoy going there but only for short trips .. after a while the Dubai traffic as well as hyper-commercial spirit of this city wear you out ..... The question lingering on everybody's mind is: Will the bubble burst? ...... I hope not.

Dubai

Dubai is a giant theme park under construction. It is a city I have ...

Updated: Mar 22, 2009 2:06pm PST

Madinah : Al Madinah Al Munawwara ...the Lighted City ... burial place of the Prophet Mohammad and location of Islam's 2nd holiest shrine "The Prophet's Mosque". Even for hardened skeptics, there is no denying that from the moment you step out of the plane at Madinah airport, there comes over one a sense of peace and serenity that is both palpable and inexplicable.

Madinah

Al Madinah Al Munawwara ...the Lighted City ... burial place of the Pr ...

Updated: Jul 30, 2008 2:04am PST

Hong Kong : I visited this dynamic city for the first time as part of an assignment that was predominantly architectural in nature. Although working against a tight schedule, I was able to sense the incredible energy & dynamism of this truly cosmopolitan city; you can't miss it.

Hong Kong

I visited this dynamic city for the first time as part of an assignmen ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 6:13am PST

Copenhagen : I was in Copenhagen working with our joint venture partner on a design competition ... it was pretty hectic but had the Sunday off so went walkabouts in the city's central district.

Copenhagen

I was in Copenhagen working with our joint venture partner on a design ...

Updated: May 24, 2008 9:53am PST

Tokyo : Tokyo is one of the most amazing cities I've ever visited. Sadly I was only there for 3 days but what I saw in these 3 days has left an indelible impression and a strong desire to return to see and learn more about this fascinating culture.

Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most amazing cities I've ever visited. Sadly I wa ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 3:10am PST

Singapore :

Singapore

Updated: Jun 27, 2008 1:42am PST

Still Life : Miscellaneous still life shots ... everyday objects seen in a different light.

Still Life

Miscellaneous still life shots ... everyday objects seen in a differen ...

Updated: Jul 23, 2008 2:37pm PST

Landscape : A collection of landscape, desertscape and skyscape photos

Landscape

A collection of landscape, desertscape and skyscape photos

Updated: May 12, 2008 3:41am PST

Norway National Opera : The Norwegian National Opera was inaugurated in April 2008 and designed by the award winning Norwegian firm Snohetta with who I'm collaborating on a different project. The building challenges the conventional notion of an Opera House not least by using the roof to create an exciting (and well used) urban landscape for the people of Oslo.

Norway National Opera

The Norwegian National Opera was inaugurated in April 2008 and designe ...

Updated: Oct 23, 2008 3:29pm PST

KFUPM : Architectural photos of my alma mater the King Fahad University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, on a recent visit after many years. 35 years since being built it remains one of the most powerful pieces of architecture in Saudi Arabia not least for being masterfully integrated to 'place'..

KFUPM

Architectural photos of my alma mater the King Fahad University of Pet ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 3:30am PST

Guggenheim Bilbao : As part of a project I'm working on, visited the Guggenhim Museum in Bilbao, Spain as a reference to our project. The building is designed by American architect Frank Gehry and completed in 2001. I have been meaning to visit it since it was built and finally had the opportunity to do so. I'd seen several beautiful photos of this building previously but none of them really did justice to seeing the building for real. The building by far exceeded my expectations and found it a breathtaking piece of architecture which highlighted to me the extent at which civic buildings can positively impact cities. The titanium (metal) cladding (a Frank Gehry trademark) covering much of the external surfaces are 0.38mm thick and cost (at that time!) $2500 / sqm for materials and installation. I tried to capture with my own photos some of the majesty and magic I experienced in Bilbao but thoroughly recommend any architecture / art lovers to visit this modern masterpiece for themselves.

Guggenheim Bilbao

As part of a project I'm working on, visited the Guggenhim Museum in B ...

Updated: Jun 13, 2008 3:27pm PST