HIPA Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award

From the Depths of Human Experience to the Vastness of Space

Dubai Photo Forum 5, organised by the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), celebrates the extraordinary power of photography to transcend boundaries, connect civilisations, preserve human stories and reveal the world from perspectives beyond our imagination.

The forum explores photography not merely as an art form, but as a universal language of discovery, understanding and cultural exchange.

The journey begins beyond Earth, where one astronaut offers us a rare perspective on the world we call home through their eyes and lenses. It then explores the power of impactful storytelling in our own languages, celebrating the beauty of life and the resilience of the human spirit, even amid the horrors of war.

From documenting the traces of civilisations across the globe to exploring the future of photography in the age of Artificial Intelligence, the forum celebrates photography’s enduring power while challenging us to rethink creativity, authenticity and the images yet to come.

Forum Dates and Venue

11–12 November 2026
Al Wasl Ballroom, Dusit Thani Dubai.

Sessions

01 La Vie en Rose

Join award-winning photographer and HIPA Photographer of Year Véronique de Viguerie for her lecture La Vie en Rose, sharing her photographic vision and creative perspective.

02 Chasing Cosmic Pixels: Photography from the International Space Station

Join us for Chasing Cosmic Pixels: Photography from the International Space Station, an inspiring lecture presented by NASA Astronaut and photographer, Don Pettit, exploring the art of photography from the unique perspective of the International Space Station.

03 Beyond the Horizon: My Photographic Journey

Join photographer and Appreciation Award winner Kazuyoshi Nomachi for Beyond the Horizon: My Photographic Journey, a lecture reflecting on his photographic journey, experiences, and artistic vision.

04 AI and the Future of Photography

AI and the Future of Photography explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence on photography, from image creation and editing to new opportunities for creativity and innovation. Presented by Content Creator Award winner Dr. Ali Mohammad.