Final Call For Expo 2020 Dubai Photography Competition

The photography competition for GCC youth launched by Expo 2020 Dubai in collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) will close on 30 September 2016. The competition is open to all GCC nationals and residents, aged between 16 and 25, and includes three categories, each matching a subtheme of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Opportunity is about unlocking the potential within individuals and communities to shape their future. Mobility examines the creation of smarter and more productive movements of people, goods and ideas, and Sustainability looks at the ways that we can pursue progress without compromising the fundamental needs of future generations.

Ten shortlisted images from each category will be on display at YouthConnect 2016, taking place in Dubai in November, and the three winners will each be announced during an awards ceremony at the same event. Following on from the success of the inaugural YouthConnect in 2015, this year’s festival will welcome more than 1,000 young people from across the GCC for two days of inspirational conversations, hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, exhibits and entertainment.

Speaking on behalf of HIPA, Secretary General, His Excellency Ali Bin Thalith said: "Photography is a beloved art form and one which HIPA is passionate to nurture and support within the GCC and beyond. It is a creative platform which speaks to everyone without uttering a word. It transcends boundaries and has the ability to effect change. Collaborating with Expo 2020 on the Youth Photography competition encourages our youth to not only contribute but participate in creating the future they want to see. We hope to inspire the next generation of photographers to appreciate the power of photography taking it to the next level, reach unprecedented heights, be it through such competitions or other educational programs we run throughout the year."

Manal AlBayat, Vice President of Engagement, Expo 2020 Dubai, also encouraged entries to the competition, saying: "Engaging and inspiring young people is a priority for Expo 2020 Dubai, and we seek to empower youth in the region by giving them the skills, ambition and opportunity to thrive. Photography is a powerful tool that allows young people to express their experiences of the world around them and their aspirations for the future.  With the close of the competition fast approaching, we encourage all young people in the GCC with an interest in photography to unleash their creative talent and submit their interpretations of the Expo subthemes for their chance to become part of the Expo story."

Photographs can be taken with digital or analogue cameras or mobile phones and up to three images can be entered into each category. Entries will be judged by a jury comprising both HIPA and Expo 2020 Dubai representatives. The winners will each receive a Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera, as well as a place at a two-day HIPA practical workshop.

All entries must be submitted before 24:00 UAE time on 30 September 2016, via www.hipa.ae