Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Union of Arab Photographers (UAP) has announced the winners of the 11th edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Photographic Award for Arabian Horse. This annual award, held as part of the Horse Exhibition in El Jadida, Kingdom of Morocco, recognizes outstanding photographers who capture the beauty and heritage of Arabian horses. The award continues to attract creative talents from across the Arab world, celebrating both artistry and cultural pride.
Award Ceremony Held in Morocco
The winners were announced during a grand ceremony at the award stage in El Jadida. The event took place in the presence of Dr. Habib Marzak, representative of the Horse Exhibition, who presented the prizes to the winners. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and appreciation for the photographers who contributed to highlighting the Arabian horse, a symbol of grace, strength, and heritage in Arab culture.
Winners Across Four Categories
The competition featured four major categories: Arabian Horse Beauty, Tbourida (Fantasia), Horse Events and Festivals, and Equine Videography.
In the Arabian Horse Beauty category, Fatima Abdel Fattah El-Sayed from Egypt won first place for her stunning photographic work that beautifully captured the elegance of the Arabian horse.
In the Tbourida (Fantasia) category, Younes Koussira from Morocco claimed the top prize for his dynamic portrayal of traditional equestrian art.
Representing the UAE, Salem Sarhan Al-Sawafi took first place in the Horse Events and Festivals category for his captivating documentation of equine celebrations.
In the Equine Videography category, Samer Saeed Saeed from Syria emerged as the winner, impressing the judges with his creative visual storytelling.
Praise for Excellence and Organisation
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Habib Marzak commended the high standard of this year’s edition. He praised the level of organisation and artistic presentation, describing the award as a leading platform in the Arab region. He added that it plays a key role in promoting creativity in the field of equine photography and encourages artists to present their best work.
A Platform for Arab Creativity
Dr. Marzak further highlighted how the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Photographic Award has become a landmark event that supports and motivates photographers from across the Arab world. It not only preserves the visual beauty of Arabian horses but also strengthens cultural and artistic exchange among Arab nations. The event’s success reflects years of dedication and a shared passion for heritage and art.
Recognition of Sheikh Mansour’s Support
Adeeb Shaban, President of the Union of Arab Photographers, expressed deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, for his continuous support. He noted that the success of the award is a direct result of Sheikh Mansour’s vision to promote art and preserve Arab heritage. Shaban also mentioned that the award has led to the creation of a rich visual archive containing photographs and videos that document Arabian horse beauty, cultural events, and festivals.
Building a Cultural and Artistic Archive
According to Shaban, the archive developed under the award’s name now serves as an invaluable resource within the national library and archive. It preserves the legacy of the Arabian horse for future generations while providing inspiration to artists and researchers. This comprehensive documentation effort showcases the UAE’s commitment to cultural preservation through modern creative expression.
New Artificial Intelligence Category Announced
In a significant development, Youssef bin Shukr Al-Zaabi, Vice President of the UAP, announced the introduction of a new Artificial Intelligence category in the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Photographic Award. This new addition aims to embrace modern technology and inspire photographers to experiment with AI-based tools to create innovative and forward-looking visual art.
Encouraging Innovation and Creativity
Al-Zaabi explained that the AI category aligns with the UAE’s vision of supporting creativity, innovation, and digital transformation in the arts. It opens new horizons for photographers to blend technology with traditional artistry, offering a fresh approach to visual storytelling. This move reinforces the UAE’s leadership in merging culture and innovation on an international level.
Promoting Heritage Through Art
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Photographic Award continues to stand as a shining example of how art can preserve and promote cultural heritage. By focusing on the Arabian horse—a timeless symbol of Arab pride and nobility—the award bridges the gap between tradition and modern creativity. Each photograph and video serves as a tribute to the enduring bond between humans and horses that has shaped Arab history for centuries.
A Celebration of Art and Heritage
The 11th edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Photographic Award reaffirmed its importance as a regional platform for excellence in photography. With winners from Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, and Syria, the event demonstrated the diversity and talent of Arab photographers. Supported by visionary leadership, the award continues to nurture creative expression, promote innovation, and preserve the majestic image of the Arabian horse for generations to come.
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