The 2026 edition of Expo for People of Determination has launched the second round of its global photography competition, “Azima Bila Hudood” (“Determination Without Limits”), following the strong response to its inaugural edition. Organised in partnership with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), the contest aims to shine a light on people of determination worldwide through powerful visual storytelling.
Open to photographers of all backgrounds, the competition welcomes professionals and amateurs from across the globe to capture stories of achievement, resilience and inclusion. It is designed not only to celebrate the accomplishments of people of determination and the ways they overcome challenges, but also to highlight their positive contributions to society and the inspiration their determination can offer others.
The initiative also seeks to support photographers with determination by discovering their talent, strengthening their visibility and offering them a route to professional or creative opportunities through exposure on an international stage. It reflects the UAE’s wider commitment to inclusion and to building an environment in which everyone can participate fully in society, regardless of physical or mental differences.
Entries are open from 20 July until 20 August 2026. HIPA’s technical committee will assess all submissions, with winners due to be announced after 20 September. The awards ceremony will take place during Expo for People of Determination 2026, scheduled from 19 to 21 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Winners will receive cash prizes as well as certificates of appreciation from HIPA.
Promoting hope through photography
Ali Khalifa bin ثالث, Secretary-General of the award, said: «إنَّ في النُّفوس لَابتهاجاً بما شَهِدْناه من إقبالٍ واسعٍ، وتَدافُعٍ مشهودٍ من النَّواظِرِ المبدعةِ في الدَّورة الأولى لمبادرة «عزيمة بلا حدود»، وإنَّ نجاحَ هذه المسابقةِ لَيَنْطِقُ ببرهانٍ جليٍّ على أنَّ الصُّورةَ ليست مجرّدَ لَقْطَةٍ عابرةٍ، بل هي رسالةٌ بليغةٌ تَروي دقائقَ المعاني وتَبُثُّ في الأرواحِ قِيَمَ الاحتواءِ والتَّآخِي. ومِنْ ثَمَّ، فإنَّنا نَعتزُّ باستمرارِ أواصرِ الشَّراكةِ مع «معرض إكسبو لأصحاب الهمم»، نَحْتَفِي معاً بفيضِ القرائحِ وعظيمِ الجَلَدِ والإنجازِ لأصحاب الهمم، دافِعِينَ بأصحابِ البصائرِ الضَّوئيةِ إلى تسخيرِ مَواهِبِهم في صَنِيعٍ طيِّبٍ يَترُكُ في كِيانِ المجتمعِ أثراً باقياً».
He added: «لجائزةِ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم الدولية للتصوير الضوئي التزام دائم وتاريخ حافل في كفالةِ أصحاب الهمم وتمكينِهم، وهو عهدٌ يَقُومُ في أصلِ رسالتِنا مَقامَ الرُّوحِ من الجَسَد؛ كما أرادَ لها مُبْدِعُها ومُؤَسِّسُها، سموُّ وليِّ عهدِ دبي، الذي ما انْفَكَّ يَكْلَأُ خُطَاها بعنايتِه، ويَمُدُّها بكريمِ مُتابَعَتِه».
UAE vision of inclusion
Ghassan Suleiman, Chief Executive of Expo for People of Determination, said the strong turnout for the first edition of “Azima Bila Hudood” had shown how photography can encourage dialogue on accessibility and inclusion. He said the partnership with HIPA will continue through the second edition, giving photographers from around the world an international platform to celebrate the achievements, determination and everyday stories of people of determination.
He added: “Azima Bila Hudood is not just a photography competition, but a global initiative that uses the power of imagery to change perceptions, celebrate diversity and promote a more inclusive society. We invite professional and amateur photographers from around the world to join us on this journey and help share inspiring stories that make a positive impact.”
A special competition for Expo visitors
The eighth edition of Expo for People of Determination will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Supreme President and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The event will take place in Zabeel Halls 4 to 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
To encourage participation from photographers inside the UAE, visitors to the exhibition will be able to take photos throughout the venue, including assistive technologies, innovations, and moments of joy and interaction experienced by people of determination during their visit. These images are intended to highlight ability, success stories and the impact of technology in improving quality of life.
Winners in this category will also receive cash and in-kind prizes, along with certificates of appreciation, for photographs that reflect inspiring stories and achievements of people of determination. The programme will conclude with an awards ceremony on the final day of the exhibition, alongside a special display of the winning photographs.
Who can enter and how to register?
The competition is open to all professional and amateur photographers worldwide, subject to the technical guidelines published on HIPA’s official website. HIPA’s technical committee will review all entries and select the strongest works, with winners announced during Expo for People of Determination.
Five competition themes
The contest features five main categories:
Hope in inclusion: Documenting moving stories of resilience and human connection, such as moments of friendship or overcoming challenges with a smile.
Artistic inclusion: Showcasing the creative talents of people of determination in visual, performing or literary arts, such as music, painting or inclusive theatre performances.
Assistive technology and innovation: Highlighting tools, apps and solutions, such as prosthetics and smart devices, that enhance independence and creativity.
Sports inclusion: Capturing the strength, skill and team spirit of athletes with determination or inclusive sporting events, reflecting energy, emotion and the breaking of barriers.
Accessible environments: Recording inclusive urban design and infrastructure, such as public spaces, buildings and transport systems that provide access for all.