Kuwaiti wildlife photographer Mohammad Murad has earned international acclaim by winning the Bronze Medal at the 2025 World Nature Photographer of the Year Awards. His award-winning photograph, “A Sword in the Chest,” captures a dramatic moment in nature, showcasing the raw intensity of a territorial battle between two White-cheeked Terns on Kubbar Island. In an interview with the Arab Times, Murad shares the story behind the stunning image, the challenges of photographing wildlife in Kuwait, and how his work aims to change perceptions about nature in the Gulf region. From the support of his father to his commitment to conservation, his journey highlights the power of patience and persistence in both photography and life.

Mohammad Murad

Mohammad Murad

Mohammad Murad

Mohammad Murad

Question: Congratulations on winning the Bronze Medal at the 2025 World Nature Photographer of the Year Awards! Can you tell us about the story behind your award-winning photograph, "A Sword in the Chest"?

Answer: Thank you so much! This image holds a special place in my heart. It captures a dramatic territorial battle between two White-cheeked Terns during nesting season on Kubbar Island. The moment was intense—one bird thrusting its sharp beak into the chest of its rival mid-air, almost like a sword piercing through armor. I spent hours observing their behavior to ensure I could capture this fleeting moment. It’s not just a photograph; it’s a story of survival and dominance in the wild.

Q: Kubbar Island seems to play a significant role in your work. How does photographing wildlife in Kuwait differ from your experiences in other places, and what challenges do you encounter here?

Kubbar Island is a gem for wildlife photography, especially during the nesting season. However, photographing wildlife in Kuwait comes with unique challenges. The extreme heat and the flat terrain make it difficult to approach animals unnoticed. Unlike other regions, Kuwait has limited biodiversity, so finding subjects requires patience and persistence. But these challenges make every successful shot even more rewarding.

Colorful Night: Awarded First Place in the Animals Category at the 2018 National Wildlife Federation Magazine and First Place in the Biodiversity Our Futures Theme at the 2022 International Photo Competition, this image captures two Arabian red fox kits exploring the night near their den in Kuwait. The colorful glow from street and car lights, refl ecting off the sea, creates a unique backdrop. Using small handheld fl ashlights for backlighting, I waited for the kits to return to the hidden food their mother had buried. Over two months, I spent several evenings photographing them as they grew increasingly curious, even approaching me and my gear.

Obscure: Awarded Second Place in the Art Category at the 2021 Golden Turtle competition, this image of a baby elephant and its mother in Tanzania refl ects my fascination with slow shutter photography. It’s about reinventing the scene, adding mystery, and expressing something deep within me. Like a violinist playing his melody to evoke emotions, I use photography to communicate my inner self, leaving interpretation to the viewer.

A Sword in The Chest: This photograph, awarded Bronze Medal (Third Place) in the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards - Birds Category, captures two White-cheeked Terns battling for territory on Kubbar Island, Kuwait. One bird’s beak presses into the chest of the other, creating a dramatic “sword in the chest” moment. Kubbar is renowned for its large summer colonies of Terns, which nest in exposed areas, offering little shelter from the intense summer heat.

Yellow Between The Stars: Awarded First Place in Artistic Vision at the 2019 Festival of L’Oiseau et de la Nature and Third Place in Garden and Urban Birds at the 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year, this shot was taken in a South African drinking station hide. I used backlighting in the afternoon to capture the starling as a silhouette, emphasizing the water droplets during its bath by underexposing the image.

Domination: Awarded First Place in the Birds Category at the 2022 MontPhoto Competition, this image captures a Lappetfaced Vulture attacking a group of White-backed Vultures. With over 15 vultures feeding on a carcass, the Lappet-faced Vulture arrives and asserts its dominance, scaring the others away to claim the meal for itself. Its impressive size intimidates the smaller vultures, who fear its power.

Night Killer: Awarded Second Place in the Other Animals Category at the 2020 GDT Nature Photographer of the Year Contest and Second Place in the Other Animals Category at the 2019 National Wildlife Federation Magazine Competition, this image captures an Arabian Horned Viper spotted during a walk near my workplace in northern Kuwait. While searching for wolf spiders, I encountered the snake beneath a small plant, and it soon began to slither across the sand dunes.

Q: You’ve represented Kuwait internationally and are often the only Arab participant in global competitions. How does it feel to carry that responsibility, and what message do you hope to convey through your work?

It’s an honor to represent Kuwait and the Arab world on such prestigious platforms. Many people have misconceptions about Gulf countries, imagining us as disconnected from nature. Through my work, I aim to break those stereotypes and showcase the rich natural beauty of Kuwait. I want people to see that we value and protect our environment, and that there is a deep connection between our culture and the natural world.

Q: Behind every great artist is a strong support system. Who has been your biggest inspiration or source of encouragement throughout your journey?

My dad has always been my greatest inspiration. He taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance, values that have shaped both my career as an engineer and my passion for photography. I’m also incredibly grateful to Canon, especially Binoj Nair, B2C Business Unit Director at Canon Middle East & Türkiye, and the team, who provided me with essential equipment, such as the 800mm lens, for a critical project. Their belief in my vision has made a huge difference in my journey.

Q: Winning this award is a milestone, but your work also focuses on conservation and education. How do you use your photography to raise awareness about wildlife and the environment?

Photography is a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy. For example, my images of Arabian foxes helped dispel misconceptions about them being dangerous predators. I also give lectures at schools and collaborate with organizations like the Kuwait Environment Protection Society to educate people about the importance of preserving wildlife. Every photo I take carries a message—it’s about connecting people to nature and inspiring them to protect it.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring wildlife photographers in Kuwait who want to follow in your footsteps?

Start small and focus on your passion. Don’t rush into buying expensive gear—rent or borrow equipment first and see if wildlife photography truly resonates with you. Patience is key, some of my best shots took months of planning and waiting. Also, respect the environment and the animals you photograph. Photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about understanding and preserving the beauty of the natural world.

Q:  You’ve mentioned patience as one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from wildlife photography. How has this skill impacted other areas of your life?

Wildlife photography has completely transformed my approach to life. Before I started, I was someone who wanted everything done quickly—I didn’t have much patience. But spending hours, sometimes days, waiting for the perfect shot taught me the value of slowing down and appreciating the process. This change has spilled over into my personal and professional life as well. Whether it’s managing a team at work or spending time with my family, I’ve learned to be more patient, calm, and present in the moment.