A year lived differently: 8 photos from National Geographic Abu Dhabi's Moments competition

The annual event is celebrating its 10th anniversary

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  Arfah from Saudi Arabia: 'I took this picture of my younger sister in the days of the home quarantine. And she discovered her talent, which is painting.' Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

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  Akram Menari from Algeria: 'During my surprise visit to my grandfather’s home, I did not expect to witness the scene in the yard of the old family home. I later photographed him from the kitchen window. Indeed, my tears fell because I saw the meaning of honesty and sincerity in what they made one day. My grandmother was healed later, praise to God.' Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

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  Mohammed Fouad from Egypt: 'This picture was taken at Burj Al Arab stadium in Alexandria during of one of the Egyptian League football matches. A spectator was in the stands alone wearing a mask as part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.; Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

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  Safia al Zaabi from UAE: 'These photos were taken on the farm during quarantine days.' Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

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  Nada Montaser from Egypt: 'Seeing ourselves exhausted and tired and contemplating the situation, hoping that we will be able to skip that period of our life.' Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

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  Thamer, who lives in Saudi Arabia: 'It was my last year at university. I was waiting for this day to be happy with myself and to rejoice with my family, but the coronavirus came and sabotaged all plans. But that did not prevent me from celebrating in my own way.' Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

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  Nabil Safi from Morocco: 'What distinguished this year the most was the quarantine, and the image depicts that moment a child played football at his home in Casablanca while wearing a mask, which has become part of our daily life.' Courtesy National Geographic Abu Dhabi

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  Abdou Shaar from the UAE: 'I took this picture at home, after doing exercise indoors.' Courtesy of National Geographic Abu Dhabi

If there is one thing the pandemic has taught us, it's that we should try to find the joy in every day – even those spent indoors as a safety precaution.

This is also a lesson that has been explored by the region's budding photographers as part of the Moments photography competition, with this year's theme entitled A Year Lived Differently.

Currently in its 10th iteration, the annual initiative organised by National Geographic Abu Dhabi has grown to become a premiere showcase for the region's aspiring photographers.

With a focus on authenticity rather than gloss, the annual affair has given us more than 250,000 photos over the decade that capture a dynamic and cosmopolitan Arab world.

Entries have already been submitted for this year's competition and winners will be announced in December. Prizes include $10,000 (Dh36,700) worth of photography equipment and publication in National Geographic Abu Dhabi.

Muhammed Muheisen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and competition judge, says he is looking for images that are emotionally engaging.

"Through photography we can make a real difference, big or small – at least we start somewhere. As a National Geographic photographer, my advice to you that there is no better way to tell a story than to become part of it, witnessing and living what the people you photograph are living," he said.

“Keep in mind that most of the time the story is just outside your doorsteps, open your eyes and make the invisible visible through your heart and camera. Photography is all about capturing moments in time.”

Scroll above to see eight entries from this year's competition that provide intimate snapshots of the Mena region adjusting to a global pandemic.

For more details, visit natgeo-moments.com