The Middle Frame started from a shared vision between Mohammad AlNobani and his co-founder Raya AlNobani. Meeting during an entrepreneurship fellowship, they quickly realized the need for an authentic, diverse Arab image library to address a significant gap in the market. With Raya’s background in photography and Mohammad’s experience in advertising, they combined their expertise to create a community-driven platform that empowers photographers from across the Arab region.
Launched in 2021, The Middle Frame has transformed the way Arab images are accessed, offering a marketplace for legal, licensed commercial and editorial content. Their journey, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Early on, they faced uncertainty, unsure of where to start. It was through connecting with the local startup community in Palestine, and specifically meeting our Managing Director, Majd Khalifeh from Flow Accelerator, that they discovered Orange Corners Palestinian Territories. Encouraged to apply with their basic MVP, this became the turning point that propelled their venture forward.
Through the Orange Corners incubation programme, Mohammad and Raya gained invaluable mentorship, exposure, and the necessary tools to turn their vision into a reality. By the end of the program, their MVP had evolved into a fully functional platform, with an expanding network of photographers and buyers. The support they received helped them not only validate their idea but also build significant traction, raising over $200,000 in investments and securing $70,000 in grants.
Their success didn’t stop there. As they expanded beyond Palestine, their focus shifted to markets like Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, with Orange Corners continuing to offer vital support. Mohammad and Raya’s story is a testament to how the right mentorship and resources can transform an idea into a thriving business, making a significant impact on the regional photography industry.
To learn more about Mohammad and Raya AlNobani and how The Middle Frame is shaping the future of Arab content, read the full story on the Orange Corners platform: here!
