Kuwaiti Ali Al-Obaidli wins the Grand Prize for 'Astronomy Photographer of the Year'

Kuwaiti photographer Ali Al-Obaidli won the Grand Prize in the ZWO “Astronomy Photographer of the Year” competition, organized by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London, for his image “The Quiet Predator,” which documents the Shark Nebula (LDN 1235), located 650 light-years away in the constellation Cetus.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Friday, Al-Obaidli expressed his pride in having his work exhibited in the ZWO “Astronomy Photographer of the Year” exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, part of the Royal Museums Greenwich network, adding that this is “one of the most important aspects of this achievement.”

He emphasized that the “Astronomy Photographer of the Year” exhibition is among the most prestigious astrophotography exhibitions in the world, bringing together the best space images from around the globe.

Electricity

Natural Science

He added: “I hope this achievement will help enhance Kuwait’s presence in the global astrophotography scene.”

The image, titled “The Quiet Predator,” is a photograph of the Shark Nebula, captured through a 28-hour exposure of this faint, distant nebula composed of gas and dust clouds. The image reveals intricate details of the nebula, which lies approximately 600 light-years away.

The “Astronomy Photographer of the Year” is an annual competition showcasing the world’s best space images, with photographers from around the world competing for the title.

This year’s exhibition features 140 images, including both winners and shortlisted entries in the “Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026” competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, which opened submissions last February.