Photography’s Power to Connect: HIPA Celebrates 15 Years of Global Artistic Vision

At the closing ceremony of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, the Emirate's pre-eminent competition in visual storytelling honoured photographers whose work captures the essence of human resilience, cultural identity and the bonds that define us.

In the soaring spaces of the Museum of the Future, the 15th edition of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award reached its crescendo. Held under the theme ‘Family’, the milestone ceremony recognised photographers whose images speak across continents, whose lenses preserve what might otherwise be forgotten, and whose work reminds us of our shared humanity.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the Grand Prize of $200,000 to Bangladeshi photographer Pinu Rahman for an image of extraordinary poignancy. Against the skeletal remains of concrete walls, a family sleeps within the ruins of their home, destroyed in the devastating fire that consumed more than 1,500 houses in Korail, one of Dhaka’s most densely populated informal settlements. In that moment of quiet devastation, the photograph reveals something profound: the unbreakable bonds of family and the quiet dignity of those who endure.

The award ceremony brought together dignitaries and leading figures from the international photography community to honour recipients across seven categories, with total prizes reaching $1 million. Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA, spoke of the award’s evolution over fifteen years. The archive has grown to more than one million images, contributed by half a million photographers spanning 209 countries. More than 230 training programmes have shaped over 10,000 photographers, establishing Dubai as the most influential centre for photography education in the Middle East.

The Special Awards recognised individuals whose contributions have fundamentally shaped the field. Japanese photographer Kazuyoshi Nomachi received the Appreciation Award for a career spanning five decades documenting remote communities and their relationship with the land and spiritual traditions. Véronique de Viguerie, a French photojournalist whose work has brought the experiences of those living through conflict into the consciousness of the world, was honoured with the Photographer of the Year Award. Dr. Ali Mohamad, a Syrian photographer, received the Content Creator Award for bridging advanced technology and visual arts across the Arabic-speaking world.

In the Family category, which invited photographers to explore the relationships and shared experiences that define kinship, Emirati photographer Hamid Obaid Al Ali claimed first place. The ‘Dreams Through AI’ category, exploring artificial intelligence as a medium for artistic expression, was won by New Zealand-based photographer Chi Hui Tang. Yousef Alzanoon from Palestine secured first place in the Portfolio category, recognised for the depth and storytelling strength of his collection. The Sports Photography category was won by Chinese photographer Hongbin Wu, capturing the intensity and defining moments of athletic competition. In the General category, Slovak photographer Filip Hrebenda won for colour work whilst Australian photographer Jono Allen prevailed in black and white photography.

The ceremony reflected a broader commitment to the visual arts as essential to cultural dialogue. As we reported in our coverage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s celebration of government achievement and national service, the leadership recognises excellence across all fields as vital to national development.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This 15th edition affirms the UAE’s position as a global hub for visual culture and artistic expression. By attracting photographers from 209 countries and providing training to over 10,000 practitioners, the award strengthens Dubai’s role as a centre of creative influence, drawing international talent and fostering cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of photography.

The award also reflects the values enshrined in 2026 as the Year of the Family, emphasising how visual storytelling can reinforce bonds across society and preserve the narratives that connect us. Through initiatives like HIPA, the Emirate continues to build bridges between communities, demonstrating that culture and the arts are fundamental to the nation’s vision of progress and human connection.

Source: WAM