DUBAI – The recent 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai became a showcase for mobile photography’s dramatic evolution from casual pastime to professional storytelling medium. Saudi visual storyteller Rashed Alsubaie and Kuwaiti photographer Abdulaziz Alsorayai demonstrated how the iPhone 17 Pro has fundamentally transformed creative workflows during a live Al Sadu weaving performance workshop.
Both creators represent a new generation of Middle Eastern digital artists who have built substantial careers around mobile technology. Alsorayai, previously focused on commercial projects including brand films and documentaries, discovered an unexpected demand for educational content about gear and techniques. ‘What made me take content creation seriously was realizing how in-demand it became and how many people genuinely want guidance,’ Alsorayai told Khaleej Times.
The transition to mobile dominance emerged organically through experimentation rather than strategic planning. ‘When people respond to what you share,’ Alsorayai noted, ‘you start to understand what you’re truly known for and what value you’re adding.’ Despite operating in a region known for rapidly shifting creative trends, both artists have consciously avoided chasing viral content, instead focusing on establishing distinctive creative identities.
The technological advantages of modern smartphones have made traditional camera equipment increasingly obsolete for many professional applications. Alsorayai emphasized the critical importance of immediacy: ‘It’s always with me. I can shoot and publish quickly without slowing the moment down.’ Alsubaie highlighted the technical maturation of mobile devices: ‘The iPhone has reached a level of potential that is professional enough for documenting daily life. It’s not heavy. There are no lenses to carry.’
Interestingly, both creators believe mobile technology actually elevates creative expectations. ‘It raises the bar,’ Alsorayai asserted. ‘If you truly understand the tool, you can get results that beat bigger gear by a long margin.’ They particularly praised the iPhone 17 Pro’s professional-grade features including ProRes video capabilities and the equivalent of eight lenses across three cameras, from 8x zoom to Ultra Wide capabilities.
The fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, concluded January 9, 2026, featured over 500 speakers representing a combined audience of 3.5 billion followers, alongside 150 CEOs and global experts participating in various sessions dedicated to shaping the future of content creation.