Frame fame: How Shoayb Khattab turned architecture into art

When award-winning Dubai-based photographer and architect Shoayb Khattab looked through his lens at a Binghatti tower shrouded in heavy morning fog, he didn’t just see a building—he saw a masterpiece.

And he knew, right at that moment, his shot was a winner.

Khattab submitted the image to the Binghatti Photography Competition and immediately landed first prize—securing himself a luxury Binghatti apartment in the process.

A shot worth living in

The image, a striking composition blending precise geometry, dense fog, and Dubai’s evolving skyline, was entered into a photography competition organized by Binghatti—one of the UAE’s leading property developers, renowned for their futuristic, art-inspired designs.

Out of hundreds of submissions, it was Khattab’s photograph that stunned the jury—earning him the grand prize: a high-end apartment in one of Binghatti’s flagship developments.

The eye of an architect

As an architect, Shoayb has always viewed photography as more than a visual craft. To him, it’s a dialogue between design, light, and emotion.

His portfolio reflects this philosophy—a fusion of technical precision and artistic intuition that transforms buildings into moments of emotional resonance.

His award-winning photo of the Binghatti building captures that essence perfectly. It frames the tower not merely as a structure, but as a piece of living art—a moment of stillness amidst Dubai’s ever-evolving cityscape.

Fame, frames, and the future

While this isn’t his first accolade, the Binghatti win has catapulted Shoayb into a new level of recognition within both Dubai’s art and real estate circles. Media coverage has poured in, and his social media following has surged, attracting aspiring creatives and design enthusiasts eager to learn from his lens.

Looking ahead, Shoayb plans to expand his global portfolio, setting his sights on iconic architectural landmarks around the world.

Early clicks and first wins

Shoayb’s journey into photography began during his architecture studies after his family moved from Iraq to the UAE in 2007. Inspired by a friend’s conversations and critiques, he bought his first professional camera and began experimenting across genres.

As he graduated as an architect, Shoayb realised he didn’t have to choose between his two passions—he could merge them. And he did, by photographing the world’s most stunning buildings.

He recalls his first ever win vividly—taking home the Okaz Market award for a picture of the then-newly built Burj Khalifa. That early victory, he says, still holds a special place in his heart.

Rooted in pride

Inside his home, Shoayb celebrates his journey with nearly 50 photography awards displayed across the walls. But perhaps most significant is a large framed photo of the Holy Kaaba—one of his most cherished captures.

Hailing from the historic city of Mosul in Iraq, Shoayb proudly reflects on his roots. It's the same city that gave the world one of its most iconic architects, the late Zaha Hadid, whose visionary works continue to awe millions, including her contributions to the UAE like the Dubai Opera, Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Bridge, and Sharjah’s BEEAH Headquarters.

Click. Capture. Collect the keys.

Shoayb Khattab’s story is more than a tale of talent—it’s a reminder that when art is driven by passion and precision, it has the power to transform lives.

One click of the shutter. One powerful frame. And a dream—not just captured, but lived.