Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the 14th Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) brought together an exceptional assembly of photographers from across the globe at the Museum of the Future. The theme, ‘Power,’ inspired a night dedicated to the remarkable artistry and the human quest for visual narrative.
The coveted $200,000 Grand Prize was awarded to Italian photographer Gianluca Gianferrari for his stunning portrayal of Mount Etna in Sicily, capturing the radiant lava flows against the crisp white snow under a starlit sky. This image captivated guests, showcasing nature’s incredible vitality.
Special Recognitions
The evening also recognized exceptional individuals in the field of photography. American photographer Rick Smolan earned the Appreciation Award for his significant contributions over the years, while environmental advocate and bird photographer Mark Smith received the Content Creator Award. HIPA Photographer of the Year honors were claimed by Omani artist Salem Al-Hajri for his work in promoting Omani and Arab cultural heritage.
Global Category Winners
The winners in the ‘Power’ category featured Syrian photographer Hashem Dardowra in first place, with Deepak Singh Dogra from India and Australia’s Scott Portelli following closely.
In the ‘General - Colour’ category, American photographers Karine Aigner and Jack Zhi took first and second places, while Poland’s Marcin Giba secured third. The ‘General - Black and White’ accolades were awarded to Ted Grambeau from Australia, Chris Fallows of South Africa, and Emirati Yousef Bin Shakar Al Zaabi.
In the ‘Portfolio’ category, the top spot was won by Palestinian photographer Ali Jadallah, followed by Marek Biegalski (Poland) and UAE's Ammar AlSayed Ahmed. In Sports Photography, the awards went to Vladimir Tadić (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Laci Perényi (Germany), and Masatoshi Ujihara (Japan). The Drone (Video) category saw American Karim Iliya take first, complemented by Norway’s Chrisander Bergan and India’s Shantha Kumar Nagendran in the subsequent ranks.
With a remarkable 87,000 submissions from 50,000 photographers around the world, HIPA 2025 affirmed Dubai’s status as a leading global photography hub. This event not only celebrated artistic excellence but also underscored photography’s ability to unite cultures, convey powerful narratives, and inspire diverse audiences worldwide.
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