In collaboration with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA)
“Determination Without Limits” Photography Competition Achieves Major Success in Its Second Edition, Attracting Photographers from 78 Countries
UAE photographers invited to participate in the local edition during AccessAbilities Expo, from October 19 to 21
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 10 September 2026: The second edition of the international “Determination Without Limits” Photography Competition, organised in collaboration with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), has achieved remarkable success in 2026.
Organised annually by AccessAbilities Expo (AAE) in Dubai, the competition recorded significant growth in both the number of photographers and entries. A total of 924 photographers from 78 countries participated, representing a 31% increase, while the number of submitted photographs rose to 1,755, an increase of 26% compared with the inaugural edition.
The competing photographs capture inspiring stories of determination, resilience and achievement among People of Determination around the world, highlighting their abilities, contributions and active roles within their communities.
The competition comprises two categories. The first is open to professional and amateur photographers from around the world, while the second is dedicated to photographers visiting 8th AccessAbilities Expo, which will take place from October 19 to 21 at Za’abeel Halls (4 to 6) at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The HIPA team is currently reviewing and evaluating the entries and selecting the winning photographs, with the winners of the international competition expected to be announced in early October.
AccessAbilities Expo will dedicate a special pavilion for showcasing the winning photographs, recognising the creativity of photographers who have used their images to tell powerful stories about the determination of millions of People of Determination around the world, and their pursuit of education, personal development, skills, independent living, dignity and enjoyment of life.
Commenting on the strong international participation in the competition, H.E. Ali Bin Thalith, Secretary-General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), said:
“We are pleased to continue our constructive and fruitful cooperation through a competition that reflects one of HIPA’s core values, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Patron of the Award, to promote social connection and provide technical and cultural support to all members of society.
“The visual talent of People of Determination is now clearly evident and we are proud of it. We see this as an important foundation for our future plans. The creativity and powerful messages in previous entries are clear evidence of the strength, impact and effectiveness of visual communication.”
UAE Photographers Invited to Participate
Ghassan Suleiman, CEO of AccessAbilities Expo, said: “We are delighted by the strong international response to the competition and proud of the outstanding cooperation and technical support provided by HIPA. This partnership has strengthened the competition’s presence locally and internationally and contributed to achieving its vision of highlighting the success stories, exceptional abilities and determination of People of Determination as they move forward towards greater independence.”
He added: “Determination Without Limits is more than a photography competition. It is a global initiative that harnesses the power of photography to change perceptions, celebrate diversity and contribute to building a more inclusive society. This reflects the UAE’s vision of advancing inclusion and creating an environment that empowers everyone to participate fully in society.”
Suleiman added: “I am pleased to invite professional and amateur photographers across the UAE to participate in the local category of the competition. I look forward to welcoming them to the AccessAbilities Expo and seeing the photographs they capture of People of Determination engaging with the Expo’s many features, from experiencing assistive technologies and attending conferences and workshops to participating in the Art for All area and other activities.
“Photographers can then upload their images to the HIPA website to compete for the competition’s local awards.”
Entries for the local category will be accepted throughout the three days of the Expo, with submissions closing at 12:00 noon on October 21, the final day of the event. The winning photographs will be announced before the conclusion of the Expo, and the winners will receive their awards during a special ceremony.
The 8th edition of AccessAbilities Expo will take place from October 19 to 21 at Za’abeel Halls 4, 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.
The competition features five main themes: Hope for Inclusion, Artistic Inclusion, Assistive Technology and Innovation, Sports Inclusion, and Accessible Environments, with three prizes to be awarded in each category.
Photography plays an important role in highlighting significant social issues, including the role of families and communities in supporting People of Determination, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and documenting experiences and achievements that demonstrate their capabilities and potential.
Through the power of photography, the “Determination Without Limits” competition captures stories of resilience, beauty and everyday life within a global community of approximately 1.6 billion people, including more than 50 million people in the Middle East.
The competition offers valuable cash prizes to the winners, along with certificates of appreciation presented by HIPA in recognition of their outstanding photographic work.