The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has unveiled ‘Family’ as the theme for its Fifteenth Season Competition. This season will feature five main categories, with ‘Family’ serving as the primary theme.

‘Sports Photography’ category is now a staple along with ‘General (Black & White and Colour)’ category and ‘Portfolio (Story-Telling)’ category. The other new category is ‘Dreams Through AI’, rounding off the categories. The Fifteenth Season Competition launches today and will end on May 31st 2026. Submissions must be made through the official competition website: www.hipa.ae

The Secretary General of HIPA, His Excellency Ali Bin Thalith said, “This season’s main theme aligns with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, to designate 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family’. This initiative supports the National Agenda’s goals of strengthening and nurturing the Emirati family, while reinforcing awareness among citizens and residents of the importance of preserving family cohesion and strong relationships. The family remains the foundation of society and a true measure of stability, prosperity and quality of life.”

Bin Thalith added, “We are pleased to introduce a new theme category ‘Dreams Through AI’, reflecting the rapid technological advancements that intersect with visual arts. This category adopts an innovative photographic approach that preserves the principle of ‘image first’. Participants are required to submit an original photograph with defined specifications, followed by an AI-generated interpretation that simulates an imagined dream. It offers a creative space where reality and imagination converge in an inspiring, dreamlike visual narrative.”

Bin Thalith emphasised that HIPA has firmly established itself as a globally influential photography initiative rooted in Emirati identity; championing visual creativity and reinforcing photography’s power in drawing attention to major issues worldwide.

Submissions for HIPA’s Fifteenth Season will be accepted on the official website, www.hipa.ae .
The deadline for submissions will be the May 31st 2026 at 11.59 pm (UAE Standard Time, GMT +4:00).

THE CATEGORIES FOR HIPA’S FIFTEENTH SEASON OF COMPETITION:

FAMILY

Family is the foundation of society and a true measure of stability, prosperity and quality of life. A healthy and balanced family environment supports growth of communities and influences every aspect of development - from education and health to culture, media and the economy. Through photography, this category aims to deepen awareness of the family’s vital role in shaping life and strengthening human values.

Beyond its human meaning, family represents belonging in its widest sense. It is a quiet language of connection found wherever elements come together, coexist and rely on one another. Photographers are invited to explore a family as a shared system that may include plant families, mineral formations, or materials shaped by time and purpose - capturing the essence of unity, continuity and belonging in all its forms.

DREAMS THROUGH AI

In step with technological advancement, the Dreams Through AI category opens new creative horizons for photographers. Participants are invited to capture a photograph with distinct compositional intent, then transform it into a harmonious AI-generated image that reflects an imagined dream.

The competitive edge lies in the strength of the original concept, composition, vision and execution. This category offers a creative space dedicated to poetic fusion of reality and imagination - where innovation, artistry and technology come together to create a truly dreamlike imagery.

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Freeze the action, capture the intensity and embody the spirit of competition; that is what Sports Photography category celebrates - the dynamic and powerful world of athletic performance.

From moments of triumph to scenes of determination and defeat, this category invites photographers to showcase the emotion, energy and physical excellence of athletes in their element.

GENERAL

The General category remains a favourite among photographers with a keen eye for compelling visual composition that transcends specific themes. It is a space for creative freedom, where striking imagery and artistic expression take centre stage.

Year after year, this category continues to grow in both quality and depth, consistently attracting more than a third of all competition entries. Participants are invited to submit work in two subcategories: Black & White, honouring the timeless power of this classic art form, and Colour, offering the opportunity to impress the jury and audiences with bold, vibrant compositions.

PORTFOLIO (STORY-TELLING)

A strong photographic story explores the heart of its subject and reflects the photographer’s unique perspective.

The Portfolio (Story-Telling) category returns to challenge photographers to showcase their storytelling abilities through one cohesive series of images. This category invites you to go beyond a single moment and immerse the viewer in a complete visual narrative.

HIPA PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Launched in the 13th season, the HIPA Photographer of the Year Award honours an exceptional photographer whose creative achievements have stood out over a continuous 12-month period. This prestigious award celebrates a year defined by outstanding visual excellence, impactful photographic projects and a body of work that demonstrates both artistic depth and cultural value.

Photographers wishing to participate are invited to present their professional journey over the past 12 months, highlighting their key achievements, ongoing projects and their vision for future work. Submissions must be supported by a selection of iconic images that best represent the photographer’s creative path and distinguish their work throughout the year.

Photographers with this level of accomplishment may submit their entries in accordance with the detailed terms and conditions.

HIPA SPECIAL AWARDS (BY INVITATION ONLY):

PHOTOGRAPHY APPRECIATION AWARD

Many people within the photography industry are dedicated and relentless in their pursuit for excellence. These people offer their services and expertise without expecting a return on their efforts and therefore form a vital part of the photographic community.

This Award is a special category for a person or group who has/have shown long-standing commitment to enhancing the art of photography. By awarding the recipient, HIPA hopes to give back a small amount of the respect and appreciation they deserve.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTENT CREATOR AWARD

Service to photography is not limited to taking stunning photographs, but extends to editors, publishers, bloggers, researchers, inventors, promoters and all print and digital content creators that have had a positive impact on the industry and helped shape it to what it is today.