Dubai, September 10, 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 8 th 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 8 th 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.
