Over 87,000 submissions evaluated; Instagram contest entries deliver powerful messages on humanity, environment, and resilience
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) recently concluded the judging process for its 14th season, themed “Power”. This year’s edition received more than 87,000 images from over 50,000 photographers across the globe.
HIPA Secretary General Ali Khalifa bin Thalith emphasized the competition’s commitment to fairness and education in photography:
“We are honoured to be a trusted creative hub and reference point in the global photography community. Each year, more than 20 photographers achieve their first career win through HIPA.”
“We are pleased to see a rise in photographers’ awareness of intellectual property rights and a decline in incomplete submissions. This reflects the impact of our ongoing efforts to educate and support visual artists.”
HIPA also announced that the winners of the ‘Power’ season will be revealed in November 2025.
Inspiring Global Jury
The 14th season jury featured seven distinguished judges from across the photography world. Their names were revealed only after judging concluded, in line with HIPA’s commitment to confidentiality and fair opportunity.
Ethiopian photographer and curator Aida Muluneh shared her experience: “It was a great honor to be part of the jury. The diversity, quality, and depth of the entries were exceptional. HIPA provides an invaluable platform for photographers around the world to tell important stories.”
French photographer Armand Sarlangue added: “This was a truly inspiring experience. The judging process challenged me to connect deeply with the powerful narratives behind the images. HIPA celebrates photography in its most diverse and meaningful forms.”
Instagram Competition Winners: A Message Beyond the Frame
HIPA has also published the winning works from its 2025 Instagram competitions under the themes of ‘Environment’, ‘Human Connection’, and ‘Children’. The contests attracted thousands of entries from both amateur and professional photographers.
- Environment: Plastic Blindness by Zakariya Omran (Bahrain) – A seagull blinded by a plastic bag, symbolizing human negligence and the devastating impact of pollution.
- Human Connection: The Hand That Never Leaves by Akram Menari (Algeria) – A touching portrait of a grandfather holding an IV bag for his wife during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Children: All the Feelings of the World by Fawaz Al-Sharif (Saudi Arabia) – A child clinging to his mother before surgery at a hospital in Burkina Faso.
All winners received commemorative medals, and their images were published on HIPA’s official Instagram account: @HIPAae.
“We are proud to share these moving, thought-provoking works,” said Bin Thalith. “They demonstrate how photography sparks connection, emotion, and global awareness.”
Meet the Judges
The 2025 judging panel included:
- Aida Muluneh (Ethiopia) – Renowned curator and photographer; founder of Addis Foto Fest.
- Armand Sarlangue (France) – Award-winning nature photographer focused on conservation.
- Dennis Schmelz (Germany) – Acclaimed travel and visual artist; Cannes World Film Festival winner.
- Filip Hrebenda (Slovakia) – Landscape photographer featured by CNN, BBC, and National Geographic.
- Jaime Rojo (Mexico/USA) – Environmental storyteller; NatGeo contributor.
- Muhammed Muheisen (Jordan) – Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner; founder of Everyday Refugees Foundation.
- Oscar J. Barroso (Spain) – Sports and social documentary photojournalist; author of Fotoperiodismo Deportivo (2025).
Looking Ahead
The announcement of winners for the 14th season, ‘Power’, is scheduled for November 2025, with expectations high for another compelling showcase of visual storytelling.
About HIPA
Launched in 2011 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) celebrates excellence in photography and its role as a universal language of expression and understanding.
#HIPAPowerSeason
#HIPA
#PhotographyExcellence
#VisualStorytelling
#GlobalCreatives
#InspiringImages
#ExpatPH
#ExpatPhilippines
#ExpatRecommends
#HIPAInstagramWinners
