Underwater photography was one of his earliest formative experiences with the medium. Al Obaidly has concentrated on Qatari tradition and culture through the twin themes of Desert and Sea, seeking to convey the importance of the traditional wooden boats, called Dhows, as reflections of Qatari history and bearers of the spirits of Qatari culture and the soul of the pearl divers.

He has worked at science and art museums, including the Aquarium at the Qatar National Museum, on a project to construct a museum of photography, and as assistant director at the Islamic Art Museum project through the Qatari National Council for Culture, Art and Heritage. Al Obaidly leads the Msheireb Art Centre, an old girls school in the heart of Doha converted into an art centre, and established the Found Objects Project (Echo Memory or Sadda Al Thekraiat), creating art from found objects for the Heart of Doha Project, across the four Msheireb Museums: Jalmod House, Radwani House, Mohammed Bin Jassem House and The Company House.

Khalifa led the Fire Station Artist in Residence for seven years, developing the programme to support local artists and connect them to the international art scene. He is now Director of the Photo Festival under Qatar Museums, celebrating young artists in the WANA region. Khalifa Art Centre is his most cherished project, sharing his knowledge of photography through his photography shop.