Hamdan bin Mohammed International Photography Award Honors Mount Etna
In a distinguished ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee, attended the awards presentation for the 14th edition of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award. The event took place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, where winners were celebrated for capturing unique moments, notably the image of Mount Etna in Sicily taken by Italian photographer Gianluca Gianniferi, who received the grand prize highlighting the concept of “power.”
Power of Photography and Its Eloquence
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award attracted submissions from around the world, receiving over 87,000 photographs from approximately 50,000 photographers. This substantial response underscores the global spread of visual culture and its role in illuminating humanitarian issues. The Secretary-General of the award, Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, noted that “power is a driver of change and can be a source of inspiration or fear.”
Honoring Winners and Distinguished Personalities
Gianluca Gianniferi was awarded a cash prize of $200,000 by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Simultaneously, American photographer Rick Smolan received a commendation award in recognition of his significant contributions as an influencer and author in the field of photography. This gesture reflects the importance of individual efforts in promoting the visual arts.
Other Awards and Incentive Initiatives
The “Photography Content Creators Award” was also presented to American photographer and filmmaker Mark Smith, known for his extensive work in bird photography and public education on environmental protection. In a related context, Omani photographer Salem Al-Hajri won the Photographer of the Year award from HEBA after presenting projects that highlight Omani cultural heritage.
Honoring Innovative Projects and Visual Art
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of awards across various categories, recognizing winners in the “power” theme. Syrian photographer Hashem Dardoura secured first place, while Indian photographer Deepak Singh Dogra took second place. The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Awards have established themselves as a global platform that highlights the role of photography in bridging different arts and cultures, while also addressing serious issues.
Through these initiatives, the award continues to affirm the impact of the image’s power and its ability to effect change in diverse communities.