Rasha Yousif, the first Bahraini to visit every country in the world, shares her journey of travel, photography, and cultural discovery. From humble beginnings in Muharraq to her work inspiring others globally, her story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of visual storytelling.
Rasha Yousif is the first Bahraini to visit every country in the world, using her travels to capture diverse cultures and stories through her lens. A passionate photographer, Rasha’s curiosity has always driven her to explore the world beyond her comfort zone. ‘Being a photographer has made me notice the small details around my surroundings,’ she says, emphasising how her photography and love for travel are intertwined.
Her achievement of visiting every country is a landmark moment for Bahrain. ‘I’m very honored to be the first Bahraini to travel to every country in the world,’ she reflects. For her, the journey has been transformative, shaping both her personality and her outlook on life. ‘This journey changed me, shaped my personality, and gave me a lot of confidence,’ she shares, also acknowledging how travel has humbled her by allowing her to connect with locals on a deeper level.
Throughout her career, She has participated in global exhibitions, including one in Oman highlighting women photographers from the GCC. She also starred in I’m a Nat Geo Photographer, a reality TV program, where she formed lasting friendships with fellow photographers. ‘The participating photographers became friends instead of competitors,’ she recalls fondly.
As a solo female traveler, she offers valuable advice to other women: ‘Never give up on their dreams.’ She acknowledges the sacrifices it took to pursue her own, but her determination carried her through. ‘I had to give up so many things just to accomplish my dream,’ she admits.
Rasha’s approach to travel is purposeful, prioritising experiences over luxury. ‘I’m more of a smart budget traveler,’ she says, focusing on cultural immersion rather than lavish accommodations. Her roots in Bahrain, particularly in Muharraq, have heavily influenced her documentary-style photography, which often highlights the traditions of her homeland. ‘I started my documentary photography journey documenting Muharraq,’ she shares.
As the founder of FotoBH, a platform supporting emerging photographers in Bahrain, Rasha has created a thriving community that fosters collaboration. ‘We witness so many collaborations coming out of FotoBH community,’ she says proudly.
Her photography style is deeply rooted in storytelling, capturing authentic moments across different cultures. For aspiring photographers, she advises, “Keep learning” and stresses the importance of developing a unique photographic style.
Looking ahead, Rasha plans to focus on her business, Qaflh, which takes groups to unique travel destinations, and work on a photography book. Her journey continues to inspire and remind us that photography is more than an art form—it’s a way to connect and inspire change.
