In this richly textured episode of The Ajyal Show, Qatari photographer Khalifa Al Obaidly reflects on a time when photography in Qatar had yet to come into full focus. Long before public platforms emerged, those drawn to the craft learned by doing, sharing knowledge between themselves and keeping the practice alive on their own terms. Khalifa speaks candidly about what it meant to pursue photography in those quieter years, and how the absence of a defined scene shaped his generation of image-makers.

His own path did not start behind a camera. With a background in marine biology, Khalifa first encountered photography as an underwater observer, and the medium gradually developed into a way of seeing the world. Over time, it became more than a skill; it became a visual language, a means of understanding place, and a frame through which he could meaningfully engage with Doha, its streets, its people, and its quiet corners.

Khalifa also reflects on how photography can move beyond personal craft to become tied to culture, heritage, and community. Through his renowned photo walks, he invites people to explore the city from a different angle, opening the lens on both place and connection. He speaks warmly about the younger photographers he supports and the artists he has helped bring forward, working to make the photography space feel open rather than exclusive.

At its core, his story is a quiet exposure of a simple belief: that photography should be accessible to all. Not a closed circle, but an invitation to see the world clearly.

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