The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has announced its first Special Award recipients for the Thirteenth Season of competition themed ‘Sustainability’. Syrian astrophotographer Samy Al Olabi has claimed the title of ‘HIPA Photographer of the Year’, a newly introduced Award that carries a prize of US $80,000. Other special awards include the ‘Photography Content Creator Award’ valued at US $50,000 and the ‘Photography Appreciation Award’ prized $100,000. Winners will be revealed in the coming days, and all the awardees will be celebrated at a grand ceremony at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on November 12, 2024.

The ‘HIPA Photographer of the Year’ Award honours exceptional photographers who have demonstrated extraordinary creativity over the past year, showcasing superior photographic projects that embody visual excellence.

His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of HIPA, expressed his delight at the presence of talented Arab creatives recognised on an international scale, such as Samy Al Olabi. He emphasised that astrophotography stimulates creativity by allowing photographers to experiment with unique techniques, resulting in stunning images that showcase the beauty of the universe. These photographs not only enhance our understanding of space but also contribute to scientific research. While the field presents challenges, I believe it deserves greater recognition as an important art form. I urge budding photographers to explore astrophotography, as it offers many exciting opportunities for creativity and discovery."

His Excellency Ali Khalifa Bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA, stated, “We are pleased to celebrate the winners of this season’s special awards, who have made significant contributions to contemporary photography that resonate on a global scale.” He added, “The HIPA Photographer of the Year Award is a new and significant category that honours photographers whose distinctive and impactful projects provide substantial value to communities. These projects serve as inspirational models for emerging talents and future generations. Celebrating creativity is at the heart of the award’s message, inspired by the vision of His Highness the Crown Prince of Dubai, the patron of HIPA, to support the arts and foster cultural innovation.”

Samy Al Olabi shared his thoughts on winning the award: “Winning this category is a great honour for a photographer who is passionate about astrophotography and landscapes. This recognition validates the countless long nights spent under the stars, searching for magical moments where the vastness of space meets the stillness of the earth. Astrophotography is both challenging and awe-inspiring, demanding a lot of patience and a deep connection with nature. Being honoured on this prestigious platform is more than just a personal achievement, it is a dream come true in every sense, and a testament to my years of dedication to this craft. I hope to inspire others to appreciate the natural beauty of the earth and sky. This recognition is extremely inspiring and motivates me to continue exploring and sharing the beauty of our world and beyond.”

HIPA’s commitment to honouring photographers is evident in Dubai’s professionalism in the arts and culture industry. HIPA continues to highlight the universal language of photography in inspiring and connecting people worldwide. Al Olabi hopes this recognition will encourage others to look up, appreciate the stars and value the beauty around us.

HIPA PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

SAMY AL OLABI | SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

Samy Al Olabi’s passions for astronomy, art, and adventure from childhood, have shaped him into one of the most prominent photographers of the night sky, stars, and nature in the Middle East. His fascination with the natural world and the cosmos drives him to capture the beauty of stars from the darkest corners of the Arabian Peninsula. His work has been published in over 80 local and international media outlets, including National Geographic, The Telegraph, BBC, and PetaPixel.

Samy’s innovative approach to photography blends abstraction, miniatures, and astrophotography through a complex and lengthy process of focal stacking, exposure stacking, and star stacking. This technique results in breathtaking images that have gained global acclaim. His notable projects, ‘Nowhere Land’ and ‘The Heavens and Earth - A Journey Through Time and Space’, have been celebrated worldwide. In addition, some of his panoramic images of the night sky and celestial bodies have even become wallpapers for Microsoft and Apple operating systems.

Samy has won many prestigious awards, including first place in the 2014 UAE Environmental Photography Competition and second place in the 2016 Fujairah International Photography Award. He was also honoured by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, during the 2015 Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival for his ‘Light and Shadows’ exhibition. Sami’s works have been showcased in over 16 local and international exhibitions, and he has served as a judge for various photography competitions.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Samy is deeply committed to sharing his knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography. He has conducted over 60 lectures and workshops, partnering with organisations such as Nikon School, the Union of Arab Photographers, the Emirates Photography Society and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. His students and peers describe him as generous and enthusiastic, always willing to help aspiring photographers and anyone interested in the field of astronomical photography.

Currently, Samy is working on a monumental project to photograph the entire sky of the Arabian Peninsula, an endeavour that began four years ago and will take another four years to complete. This project aims to create a unique and lasting impact on both culture and science, inspiring future generations - making a significant contribution to photography, astronomy, and knowledge. Sami's work not only captures the beauty of the night sky but also helps people around the world better understand astronomy. It also serves as a tribute to the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region.