Sultan bin Ahmed Opens Xposure 2025, Celebrating Global Photography

Photo : Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, officially opened the 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival at Aljada, Sharjah. The festival, running until February 26, brings together 420 photographers, filmmakers, and visual storytellers from 48 countries, showcasing their creative work through exhibitions, talks, and workshops.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi toured the massive 49,000-square-meter venue, meeting exhibitors and learning about different styles of photography, including documentary and humanitarian work. He also explored the festival’s event lineup, designed to help photographers improve their skills and creativity.

During the opening ceremony, His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), spoke about the importance of photography in capturing reality and emotions. He reflected on how photography has evolved since 1826, when the first photo took hours to create, compared to the nearly two trillion images taken worldwide in 2024. He questioned what makes an image powerful and emphasized that true storytelling comes from those who take risks and capture the essence of human experiences. While AI has a role in shaping the future, he stressed that no technology can replace human creativity and emotion.

Allay highlighted that since the first Xposure festival, the mission has been to celebrate photographers who go beyond technology to capture the human experience. He noted that Sharjah, known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage, is the perfect place to host such a global event.

A Global Platform Sharing Sharjah’s Vision

At the ceremony, Glen Gainor, Head of Production at Amazon Original Films, delivered a speech emphasizing that photography and filmmaking are not just about documentation—they help people understand the world. He praised Sharjah’s leadership for making the emirate a hub of knowledge and culture. He spoke about the power of images to transcend language barriers and inspire people globally.

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Gainor noted that Xposure has become a stage where ideas and cultures come together. The festival also sheds light on global issues like climate change, urging people to take action. He recognized how the rise of digital platforms like YouTube has given a voice to new storytellers worldwide. He stressed that images help build bridges between cultures and create meaningful human connections.

The Role of Photography in Raising Awareness

Renowned environmental photographer and activist Sebastian Copeland shared his experiences documenting the effects of climate change in the Arctic. He has led 27 polar expeditions, covering over 10,000 kilometers on skis, capturing the impact of global warming. Copeland shared a striking memory of finding plastic waste in one of the most remote places on Earth, proving that pollution knows no boundaries.

He warned about the dangers of microplastics entering the human bloodstream and affecting the ecosystem. He pointed out that rising global temperatures are disrupting wildlife and pushing species toward extinction, leading to massive ecological imbalances. Copeland also spoke about how climate change is forcing people to migrate due to droughts and food shortages.

He praised the UAE’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its long-term climate action plans. He emphasized that photographers have a duty to capture these pressing issues, as their images play a crucial role in raising awareness and influencing global decisions.

The festival opened with a film that explored the power of photography in shaping human awareness. The film compared pixels in an image to cells in living organisms, showing how small details create a bigger picture. The screening also included a live performance that blended poetry and music, highlighting the deep connection between art and storytelling.

A Week of Photography and Learning

Xposure 2025 offers a seven-day immersive experience for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can attend workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, and portfolio review sessions. The festival also features guided tours and the fourth edition of the Conservation Summit, which focuses on using photography to highlight environmental issues.

Several distinguished guests attended the opening ceremony, including Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler's Office; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; and Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators. Other high-profile attendees included government officials, photographers, and media professionals, all coming together to celebrate the power of visual storytelling at Xposure 2025.

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