Yousuf Alqasimi
Yousuf Al Qasimi is an Emirati astrophotographer and storm chaser who directs his lens skyward to reveal the wonders of the universe and the power of weather. His images capture sweeping Milky Way arches, nebulae, galaxies, and dramatic lightning storms rolling across the Arabian Peninsula. By uniting astronomy with meteorology, he creates a visual language that inspires respect for dark skies and deepens awareness of natural forces. Through his work, he encourages audiences to look upward and rediscover their connection to the cosmos.
Yousuf Al Qasimi holds a degree in Geographic Information Systems from the United Arab Emirates University and serves as a scientific guide at the Sharjah Academy of Space, Science, and Technology. In this role, he delivers live astronomy presentations, telescope viewings, planetarium shows, and public outreach programmes that make astronomy accessible to diverse audiences. His professional career is closely linked to education, where he has developed workshops and lectures that blend technical understanding with creative practice.
He has led sessions on astrophotography and fundamental astronomy across the UAE, including programmes with NYU Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat Studios, and the Sharjah Government Media Office. His appearances as a speaker and trainer emphasise both scientific literacy and artistic exploration, building bridges between curiosity and technical skill.
Through his growing social presence, Al Qasimi promotes awareness of astronomy and meteorology, offering practical guidance on observing the night sky and understanding weather phenomena. He champions dark sky preservation and educates audiences on the effects of light pollution, while his photography reflects the fragile balance between earth and cosmos. His work and outreach have made him a prominent voice in astronomy communication and visual storytelling across the region.
As a photographer, Yousuf Al Qasimi brings science and art into dialogue. His astrophotography highlights the grandeur of celestial landscapes: nebulae rising above horizons, galaxies arched over deserts, and star-filled skies reflected in quiet terrain. His storm photography captures lightning bolts cutting through the night and complex cloud formations sweeping over the Arabian Peninsula. This dual focus on astronomy and meteorology gives his portfolio a distinctive edge, balancing the immensity of the universe with the immediacy of weather.
He uses composition, scale, and contrast to emphasise human connection to the natural world. Whether portraying the Milky Way above an Emirati dune or tracing storm systems over the desert, his images hold both artistic drama and scientific value. By revealing moments that might otherwise pass unseen, he encourages curiosity about the physical world and our role within it.
Al Qasimi’s creative practice is inseparable from his mission to educate. His visual storytelling serves as both inspiration and resource, urging people to reconsider how artificial light reshapes the night sky, how storms shape landscapes, and how observation fosters respect for nature. His imagery has become part of a wider regional effort to reconnect communities with astronomy, science, and cultural heritage.
Al Qasimi is a member of the Emirates Astronomical Society and has been featured in interviews with media outlets, including National Geographic and Sharjah TV. He frequently delivers astrophotography courses in Arabic, expanding access to practical knowledge within local communities. His outreach combines heritage and science, linking ancient desert traditions of stargazing with modern astrophotography. With an active social presence, he inspires young audiences to pursue careers in astronomy and weather sciences. At the same time, his workshops and public lectures continue to raise awareness of astronomy across the United Arab Emirates.