Next Generation Photography Award to underline cultural similarities

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has teamed up with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, HIPA, to launch the Next Generation Photography Award contest, which will run from 18th September to 6th October, 2017.

Professional and amateur photographers are invited to submit their photos that draw attention to the similarities between the UAE and Africa. Photos should be submitted on Instagram, and identified with the #HIPAContest_NxtGenPhoto hashtag.

The winning entries will be announced during the 4th Global Business Forum, GBF, on Africa, which is set to take place on 1st and 2nd November at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah.

Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, described the contest as a unique addition to the forum, which supports the Chamber’s efforts to promote economic and investment ties between the UAE and Africa.

"The award seeks to build bridges of dialogue between different cultures, promote creativity and fine arts, and highlight the perspective of the younger generations. The contest will give young talented individuals the opportunity to express themselves in an artistic way and become part of a cross-cultural exchange," Buamim said.

The award’s dedicated hashtag #HIPAContest_NxtGenPhoto offers an ideal platform to exhibit and share the creative works of youth from around the world that sheds light on the geographical and cultural aspects that the UAE has in common with African countries.

Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, Secretary-General of HIPA, said, "As photographers, we appreciate the multiple layers of visual beauty that can be captured by a camera, especially those within the African continent. Photography is often one of the best domains that can distinguish Africa from the rest of the world, and we are proud to host this photography competition to raise awareness about the continent and its relationship with the United Arab Emirates on all fronts."

The contest will be run as part of the 4th GBF on Africa in Dubai. The GBF series was initiated in 2013 as part of Dubai Chamber’s efforts to position the emirate as a gateway to the world.