Photography and Videography Contest with Prizes Totaling AED 75,000

• Al Marri: Enhancing cultural and artistic impact while promoting Hatta as a tourist destination, reaffirming our role in "Year of the Community" and our social responsibility.
• Bin Thalith: Expanding visual assets and creative tourism promotion are among the key gains.

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, in collaboration with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), has announced the launch of a photography and videography contest titled "Hatta Through the Lens of Light." The contest coincides with the multi-activity winter season in Hatta, which has become a leading attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

The competition consists of two categories: photography and videography, targeting creators and visual storytellers. Entries can be submitted through the official HIPA website, www.hipa.ae, from Monday, January 27, to February 27, 2025. The total prize pool is AED 75,000, divided among the top three winners in each category.

On this occasion, H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai stated:
"We are delighted at GDRFA Dubai to collaborate with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award in launching this competition, which highlights the beauty of Hatta. This initiative falls within our social responsibility and reaffirms the significance of 2025 as the 'Year of the Community,' reflecting the leadership's vision to enhance societal cohesion and instill values of generosity and belonging."

He added: "We believe this contest offers a valuable opportunity to showcase Hatta's natural and historical beauty while promoting its status as a prominent cultural and tourism destination. Supporting this initiative underscores our commitment to providing platforms for creatives to express their talents and spotlight the landmarks that make the UAE a model of diversity and harmony."

He concluded: "As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum once stated, 'The cohesion of society is the first line of defense for the nation’s achievements.' At the Directorate, we are dedicated to advancing these values of unity and celebrating the unique beauty and diversity of our homeland through initiatives that embody the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility."

 

H.E. Ali Khalifa Bin Thalith, Secretary General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, also commented: "We regard the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God protect him), designating 2025 as the ‘Year of the Community’ a testament to the vital role of cultural values in society. It reinforces the significance of the arts in shaping social identity and fostering meaningful connections between communities and cultures worldwide. This competition serves as an important platform to highlighting how art can strengthen community bonds, enrich cultural expression, and foster global connections—aligning with the UAE’s vision for a more cohesive and sustainable future."

Bin Thalith added: "We are delighted to partner with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai to creatively capture the enchanting winter season in Hatta, a destination that is rapidly gaining popularity both locally and internationally as a prime destination for tourism and sports. This collaboration highlights the power of partnerships in driving meaningful impact, offering photographers opportunities for recognition and awards while simultaneously enhancing the visual storytelling of the area's distinctive features."

He added: "Through initiatives like this, at HIPA, we remain dedicated to fulfilling the noble vision of our patron by enhancing the role of visual arts and their impact across all sectors."

Contest Rules:
Participation is open to everyone. Contestants must capture photographs or videos in Hatta and upload their submissions on the official HIPA website, www.hipa.ae, which includes all contest details. Each participant can submit up to three photos. For the video category, submissions should range between 30 and 60 seconds in duration.