Dubai: The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) celebrated its 14th annual awards ceremony, themed 'Power', at the Museum of the Future. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries and notable figures from the global photography community.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, awarded the $200,000 Grand Prize to Italian photographer Gianluca Gianferrari for his photograph of Mount Etna in Sicily. The image captured the dramatic eruption of the volcano, showcasing flames and glowing lava against a snowy backdrop under a star-studded sky.
Sheikh Mansoor also presented special awards during the ceremony. The Appreciation Award was given to American photographer Rick Smolan for his distinguished career and contributions to photography and humanitarian issues. The Content Creator Award was bestowed upon American photographer and filmmaker Mark Smith, celebrated for his work in bird photography and environmental activism.
Omani photographer Salem Al-Hajri received the HIPA Photographer of the Year Award for his projects that highlight Omani and Arab cultural heritage. Al-Hajri's work connects ancient traditions with contemporary narratives, promoting growth opportunities for regional photographers.
Ali bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA, expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his support. He noted that HIPA received over 87,000 submissions from around 50,000 photographers this season, emphasizing the award's global reach and influence.
The ceremony also recognized winners in various categories. Syrian photographer Hashem Dardowra won the 'Power' category, with Indian photographer Deepak Singh Dogra and Australian photographer Scott Portelli securing second and third places, respectively.
In the 'General' category, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan presented awards. American photographer Karine Aigner won first place in the 'General - Colour' category, followed by Jack Zhi and Marcin Giba. In the 'General - Black and White' category, Australian Ted Grambeau took first place, with Chris Fallows and Yousef Bin Shakar Al Zaabi following.
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi awarded the 'Portfolio' category winners, with Palestinian Ali Jadallah taking first place. Marek Biegalski and Ammar AlSayed Ahmed were awarded second and third places.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi presented the Sports Photography awards, with Vladimir Tadic winning first place. Laci Per©nyi and Masatoshi Ujihara received second and third places.
In the 'Drone (Video)' category, Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais awarded first place to American Karim Iliya, followed by Chrisander Bergan and Shantha Kumar Nagendran.