The view from the skies

Close Up by Karim Nafatni. Image courtesy of the artist.

It’s a bird’s eye view that we are not normally privy to. These dramatic images were taken by Karim Nafatni, a commercial pilot who never travels without his camera. Based in Dubai, Nafatni takes images from the cockpit taking advantage of the perspective, the view and of course, the light of the sun as it sets and rises.

Thanks to his talent and his rising fan base, Nafatni has been asked to judge a new art competition from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). As part of the Love Your Sky initiative, the GCAA campaign aimed at raising awareness about flight and passenger safety all over the UAE, the competition titled UAE Avitiation Art will search for the best aviation-inspired photography from across the UAE.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, general manager of GCAA says: "The GCAA has embarked on its next stages of digital growth, in line with Dubai's Vision 2021 and its aspirations to become one of the world's leading governments in terms of its digital and art activities. UAE Aviation Art aims to engage with aviation fans and artists alike."

* How to enter

Simply submit a digital image of your work via Instagram using the hashtag “uaeaviationart”. The competition closes tonight at midnight. For more information visit www.loveyoursky.com