INTRODUCTION
AccessAbilities Expo and the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) have come together to launch the world's first global photo contest documenting the achievements and challenges of People of Determination.
Open to both professionals and amateurs worldwide, the competition invites photographers to tell powerful stories of resilience and inspiration—showcasing how People of Determination overcome challenges, contribute meaningfully to society, and motivate others through their determination.
It also seeks to empower photographers from among People of Determination, giving them visibility on a prestigious international platform and access to new opportunities.
This initiative reflects the UAE’s vision of inclusivity - using photography as a powerful medium to highlight talent, achievement, and the strength of diversity on a global stage.
Visit the website of AccessAbilities Expo to learn more about their mission of promoting accessibility and inclusion for People of Determination.
Hope in Inclusion
Capture moving stories of resilience and human connection, such as moments of friendship or overcoming challenges with a simple smile.
Artistic Inclusion
Highlighting the creative talents of People of Determination in visual, performance, or literary arts (e.g., a musical performance, painting, or inclusive play).
Assistive Technology & Innovation
Showcase the tools, applications, or solutions like prosthetics and smart devices that empower independence and creativity.
Sports Inclusion
Photograph the strength, skill, and team spirit of athletes with disabilities, or integrated sports events, highlighting energy, emotion, and breaking barriers.
Accessible Environments
Document inclusive urban design and infrastructure such as public spaces, buildings, and transportation that welcome everyone.
About AccessAbilities Expo
AccessAbilities Expo is the first event of its kind in the Middle East, dedicated to supporting over 50 million People of Determination living in the region.
Held annually in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event brings together key stakeholders, including government entities, assistive technology providers, rehabilitation centers, and application developers from more than 70 countries.
Thousands of visitors—including People of Determination, their families, industry experts, therapists, and rehabilitation professionals—attend the event each year. AccessAbilities Expo serves as a unique platform for networking and building partnerships among suppliers, buyers, end-users, distributors, and decision-makers dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for People of Determination.
Hope in Inclusion
Artistic Inclusion
Assistive Technology & Innovation
Sports Inclusion
Accessible Environments
Rules
By participating, you understand, acknowledge and fully, irrevocably and unconditionally agree to abide and be bound by the following rules:
- The competition is open for online submissions only through the contest page on HIPA website: www.hipa.ae.
- Submissions will be accepted from 12:00 PM on 11th August 2025 until 11:59 PM on 9th September 2025 UAE local time (i.e. GMT +4). No Submissions made after closing time will be accepted.
- Participants may submit only one photo per category, with a maximum of five entries total—one for each of the five categories.
- The submitted photo must have an original file in Raw or JPEG format, with high quality and resolution, of a minimum 5 MB size (Raw files are NOT required at the time of submission).
- The submitted photo must not contain any tag(s), signature(s), initial(s), frame, border(s), logo(s), or any other references and/or marks added by the participant.
- HIPA and AccessAbilities Expo reserve the right to assess and discard from the competition any submitted photo deemed contrary to the foregoing.
- Photos that portray or otherwise include inappropriate and/or offensive content, including nudity, violence, and/or any other content deemed to be contrary to the UAE's religious, cultural, and/or public moral traditions and practices, will be disqualified.
This contest is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Apple Inc. The participants understand that they are providing information to HIPA and not to Apple Inc. Any questions, comments, or complaints regarding the contest should be directed to HIPA and not to Apple Inc.