Wednesday, October 27, 2021: Dubai-based Architectural photographer and Canadian University Dubai (CUD) alumnus, Anique Ahmed has been granted a golden visa (long-term visa) by the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Under the category of creators and specialized talents, Anique has been recognized for his contribution to the photography community in the region.
Specializing in architecture, interior, hospitality, and lifestyle photography, Anique has produced top-quality images for several brands internationally and in the Middle East. Known for emphasizing light and details with his works, Anique's creative eye has been featured across several blogs, local articles, and newspapers, and has also won him several international fine art photography accolades.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Anique said: “I feel extremely humbled by this honor and am incredibly thankful to Dubai Culture & Arts Authority for recognizing my accomplishments and the work I have put in. It's been an 11-year journey and represents much more than a golden visa to me. It represents my efforts and contribution to the photography industry in the region, a place that has been my home since childhood.”
Growing up in Dubai, Anique was driven by his passion for architecture and photography. He turned to CUD to pursue these interests further, enrolling in the Bachelor of Architecture degree program where he graduated in 2013.
Speaking of his experience, Anique added: “I've made some lifelong memories and friendships at Canadian University Dubai. The constant support from my mentors and faculty gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my passion for photography alongside my career as an Architect. They taught me the elements and principles of design, which helped me develop a strong eye for detail.”
Commenting on his former student’s performance, Dr. Hamoud Dekkiche, Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design, Canadian University Dubai, said: “Anique was always interested in architectural photography during his studies. He has won photography awards and featured in architectural magazines with his works. Hearing about his success in his professional career makes us feel proud of our alumni from our architectural program and speaks to the true potential of our students.”
Mr. Serkan Gunay, also commented on Anique’s achievement by saying: “As Anique’s graduation studio instructor, it gives me a great pleasure to see his achievements in his professional life. His graduation project was creating a UAE pavilion design for EXPO 2020 Dubai and now he is capturing the buildings at the actual site, which is a great achievement”.
Anique’s advice to aspiring architectural photographers is to master the basics(lines, shapes, light, and shadows),create an impressive portfolio, invest in specialist equipment, and connect with designers in the region. He said: “Buildings are not merely spaces to be lived in but are and should be seen as incredible pieces of 3D art that can be captured and represented in one's individual style.”
Implemented in 2019, the golden visa acts as a new system for long-term residence visas. The system enables foreigners to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with full ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland. Being granted the golden visa now creates a new series of possibilities for Anique, whose plans for future expansions in photography for the region are now secured.
The Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design at CUD provides students with the knowledge and tools necessary to become change makers within the industry. The unique studio experience offered is central to the teaching model and challenges students to translate the classroom experience into practice through innovative design and entrepreneurial ideas. With the fast-paced evolution of architecture, interior design, and sustainability, students are encouraged to critically analyze situations and develop unique design solutions, while acknowledging the human relationship to plan and design with empathy and responsibility.
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