MEE photo competition 2020: finalists revealed

Name: Elaheh Mollaei

Location: Quchan, Iran

“Life in our house during the days of quarantine is spent with love. By encouraging and giving each other hope, we hope for the future by being together."

You can follow Elaheh on her Instagram page: @elaheh_mollaei

Name: Ahmed Hamed 

Location: Cairo, Egypt

“I felt it is a moment of love and hope when I saw this man in the morning having breakfast in the street with the cats around him. The moment gave me the feeling that we need to be simple to pass complicated, stressful moments.”

You can follow Ahmed on his Instagram page: @ahmedhamed20

Name: Sidahmed Belhachemi

Location: El-Bayadh, Algeria

“My grandmother looking from the house window during quarantine, waiting for the time when life will return as usual and the coronavirus will end.”

You can follow Sidahmed on his Instagram page: @sidahmed.belhachemi

Name: Fatima Al-Zahra'a Mohammed Shbair

Location: Gaza, Palestine

“Zainab Al-Krunz practises taekwondo in her home during quarantine, after the sports clubs were closed.”

You can follow Fatima on her Instagram page: @fatimashbair

Name: Mardin Ahmadi

Location: Javanrud, Iran

“My brother is 10 years old. His school is closed because of the coronavirus, but that didn't stop him. He goes to the roof some days to study so that he can enjoy the pleasant weather. His hope and efforts are admirable.”

You can follow Mardin on his Instagram page: @mardinahmadii

Name: Ghassen Ben Slama

Location: Nefza, Tunisia

“In this picture you find many elements that give you hope, starting with these two happy children: a little dancing girl and a boy playing in the water. This wonderful place gives you hope, the sun is shining, and the light is always a source of life and new beginnings.”

You can follow Ghassen on his Instagram page: @ghassenbenslama

Name: Youssef Nakkach

Location: Casablanca, Morocco

“Hope is shown through the child's gaze – insightful glances which indicate he’ll reach his dreams. During quarantine we carried out several activities, the most important of which is exercise. Adam was excited, and he made boxing his target.”

You can follow Youssef on his Instagram page: @youssef_nakkach

Name: Abdulazeez Myasar Mohammed Al-Kotaji

Location: Mosul, Iraq

“Because of the darkness inside the room, we appreciate every source of light that penetrates – even if it was the sunlight that we see all day. When we started losing things because of the pandemic we started to appreciate every small thing that we have.”

You can follow Abdulazeez on his Instagram page: @11_ax5

The winner and runners-up will be announced on 22 December. Let us know which is your favourite on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (@meediscover).

For any inquiries email us at [email protected]

This article is available in French on Middle East Eye French edition.