Kuwaiti photographer wins top prize in nature photography competition in California
This win is not only for me, but for Kuwait. I dedicate the achievement to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support for Kuwaiti youth -- Murad
Kuwaiti wildlife photographer Mohammed Murad has won the first place in the Wildlife (Terrestrial) category of the prestigious Big Picture Nature Photography Competition, held annually in California, USA.
Recognized as one of the world’s leading nature photography contests, the competition drew over 8,000 entries from photographers around the globe, reports Al-Rai daily.
Murad’s winning photograph, titled “Eyesless”, was captured during a challenging expedition in the remote wilderness of Mongolia. The striking image features a rare and elusive Pallas’ cat, blanketed in frost and snow, reflecting the silent resilience of wildlife in extreme climates. The photo was officially announced as the category winner on the competition’s website on Tuesday.
“Eyesless” will be featured in the upcoming Big Picture Exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, opening on October 2, 2025. The exhibition showcases powerful images aimed at inspiring environmental awareness and celebrating the planet’s fragile beauty.
Speaking to KUNA, Murad described the award as a powerful acknowledgment of storytelling through imagery. “This honor,” he said, “is a testament to the power of visual narrative in photography. The image was born from a moment of deep reflection, witnessing how survival unfolds in silence, revealing the raw power of life in its most brutal and quiet moments.”
Murad dedicated the achievement to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support for Kuwaiti youth.
“This win is not only for me, but for Kuwait, and for elevating its name on global platforms. I am proud to be the only Kuwaiti and Arab photographer among this year’s winners. This honor pushes me to continue representing our region with pride and purpose.”
Murad is widely recognized as one of the Arab world’s leading wildlife photographers. He is a Canon ambassador for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with a growing list of international accolades and appearances in top-tier global exhibitions.
