Winners Announced for HIPA's 13th Season on Sustainability Theme

Photo : Dubai government media office

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) recently hosted its 13th annual awards ceremony. The event took place at the Museum of the Future and was attended by a distinguished audience, including dignitaries and prominent figures from the global photography community.

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The awards, which were centered around the theme of ‘Sustainability’, highlighted the importance of environmental consciousness in the world of photography. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), presented the prestigious $200,000 Grand Prize to Chinese photographer Liping Cao. Cao’s black-and-white photograph portrays a striking contrast between nature and technology. The image features towering wind turbines, representing the quiet power of renewable energy, set against a dry riverbed that serves as a reminder of the pressing need for sustainable practices in today’s environment.

In her speech, Sheikha Latifa emphasized that Dubai continues to be a hub for innovation and creative initiatives, particularly in the arts. She highlighted how HIPA serves as a reflection of Dubai’s visionary approach, promoting global communication and understanding through the lens of visual arts. The award, she noted, not only showcases Dubai’s cultural richness but also strengthens the global photography scene, uplifting Arab photographers and amplifying their presence internationally.

This year, the theme of sustainability aligned with the UAE’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing how culture and the arts can play a pivotal role in advancing global sustainability. The recognition of global talents through HIPA’s diverse categories is a testament to the UAE’s leadership in fostering creativity while also contributing to society's well-being.

His Excellency Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, HIPA’s Secretary General, expressed gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan for his continued patronage of the awards and his visionary efforts in raising the profile of photography. Under His Highness’s guidance, the total prize purse for HIPA has been increased to $1 million this year, highlighting Dubai’s growing influence in the international photography landscape. He also noted that Emirati and Arab photographers are increasingly gaining recognition on the world stage, thanks to HIPA’s support in developing local talent and providing opportunities for global exposure.

A special Photography Appreciation Award was presented to Dutch photographer James ‘Jimmy’ Philip Nelson, who is known for his work with indigenous communities and his efforts to foster cultural understanding through photography. Emirati photographer Salma Ali Humaid Alsuwaidi received the Photography Content Creator Award for her significant contribution to documenting wildlife and bird species in the UAE, exemplified by her book ‘Common Birds and Their Nests in the United Arab Emirates.’

The inaugural HIPA Photographer of the Year Award was presented to Syrian astrophotographer Samy Al Olabi, who is renowned for his stunning images of celestial bodies and his work capturing the dark skies of the Arabian Peninsula. His photography has been featured in over 80 local and international publications.

Winners in the sustainability-themed category included Ruijuan Huang from China, who took first prize, while Virginie Ellis from France and Ranganathan Mukkai from India placed second and third, respectively. In the General – Colour category, Rahul Vishwanath Sachdev from India won first place, followed by Youmn Mohammed Almanla from Saudi Arabia and Ahmed Abdallah Al Housni from Oman.

In the General – Black and White category, American photographer Renee Capozzola took the first prize, with Sri Lanka’s Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod in second and Ateeb Hussain from India in third. The Portfolio (Story-Telling) category saw Palestinian photographer Fatma Alzahra Shbair claim first place, with Sarah Wouters from the Netherlands and Wen Bing from China securing second and third positions, respectively.

The Sports Photography award was presented to Tobias Friedrich from Germany, followed by Karim Iliya from the United States and Hendra Agus Setyawan from Indonesia. In the Short Video (For Social Media) category, Aleksandr Tsuprun from the Russian Federation claimed the top spot, with Norbert von Niman from Sweden and Abhin Kizhakke Veettil from India finishing second and third.

The HIPA 13th Season Awards served as a testament to the exceptional talent and creativity that exists within the global photography community. The strong emphasis on sustainability demonstrated the importance of culture and the arts in addressing critical environmental issues, while the continued support from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan ensures that Dubai remains a leading platform for creative expression and international recognition.

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