DUBAI: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the 13th annual Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) was held at the Museum of the Future. The event, focused on the theme of ‘Sustainability’, was attended by global dignitaries and photography leaders.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, presented the $200,000 Grand Prize to Chinese photographer Liping Cao for his striking black-and-white image of wind turbines. The photograph highlights the balance between nature and technology, promoting sustainability through renewable energy.

Sheikha Latifa emphasized that Dubai’s vision fosters creativity and innovation, positioning the city as a global hub for photographers and artists. She also noted that the award aligns with the UAE’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

His Excellency Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, HIPA’s Secretary General, thanked Sheikh Hamdan for his ongoing support, which has expanded the award’s reach to 205 countries. The prize purse was raised to $1 million to encourage more participation.

Emirati photographer Salma Ali Humaid Alsuwaidi won the Photography Content Creator Award for her work documenting the UAE’s wildlife, while the new HIPA Photographer of the Year Award was presented to Syrian astrophotographer Samy Al Olabi for his stunning celestial images.

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Winners were also celebrated in categories such as ‘Sustainability’, ‘General Colour’, ‘General Black and White’, and ‘Sports Photography’, among others. The event highlighted the exceptional global talent in photography, with strong representation from the UAE, and underscored Dubai’s leadership in nurturing creative communities.

The HIPA Awards continue to be a prominent platform for recognizing the power of photography to inspire change.