Cemeteries are sacred in all parts of the world. Enter a graveyard and the dead impose respect. Even the most callous will walk lightly, treading carefully so as to step between rather than, unintentionally, upon a grave.

There are around 45 old and closed cemeteries, spread all over Kuwait. In Fahaheel, the south of Kuwait, there are two such graveyards. The southern cemetery of Fahaheel is now closed but the austere atmosphere of respect remains. The place is quiet, almost peaceful, despite construction works happening next door. Many grave markers remain legible though the graveyard has been closed more than 30 years and has fallen into a slow state of disrepair and decline.

Photographs by Athoob Al-Shuaibi