The General Secretariat of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award has revealed the themes for its 15th edition, titled 'Family', in alignment with the UAE's 'Year of the Family'. The edition features a new category called 'Dreams from an AI Perspective'. The award's Secretary-General, Ali Khalifa bin Thabit, stated that the main theme aligns with designating 2026 as the 'Year of the Family' to enhance the goals of the national agenda for the growth of Emirati families, while also strengthening community awareness among citizens and residents of the importance of preserving family bonds and strong family relationships, which are the cornerstone of a strong and prosperous society. Bin Thabit also announced the sub-categories, noting that the award continues to lead as a photography brand with Emirati roots and global impact, serving as a key figure in supporting visual talents and enhancing global awareness of photography's role in highlighting major issues worldwide. Bin Thabit highlighted a new category titled 'Dreams from an AI Perspective', keeping pace with rapid technological developments intersecting with visual arts, and employing innovative photographic techniques to uphold the 'Photography First' principle. This category requires original photographs with specific specifications, followed by the creation of a harmonized version (an AI-generated image that simulates an imagined dream). It is a creative space dedicated to uniting reality and imagination in an inspiring and dreamlike manner. The 'Sports Photography' category continues to offer creative opportunities for sports excitement enthusiasts capable of translating its emotions and scenes with the required efficiency. This category is a chance to express both sporting taste and visual creativity. For the 10th consecutive year, the 'Photo Story' category will continue to test and extract the storytelling potential of the photographer and their narrative abilities, while the 'Open' category remains a space for pure creative freedom that breaks all molds and frameworks, allowing every photographer to set their own sails towards unexplored harbors, whether in black and white or through the full spectrum of colors. The award is accepting submissions in the mentioned categories until May 31 on its official website.
