Sending a message to the conflict-hit West Asian region, the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (November 12, 2024) gave its top photography award to Fatima Alzahra Shbair, a Palestinian photographer from the Gaza Strip.
With a prize money of over $200,000, the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) is the world’s richest photography competition, recognizing top talents in photography for over fifteen years.
Ms. Shbair, a Gaza native, shared her journey into photography, inspired by her grandmother’s passion for cameras. Despite personal loss and hardships, including the passing of her father, she remained dedicated to capturing the stark reality of life in Gaza.
Her award-winning photos documented the harrowing impact of Israeli attacks on Gaza, portraying a narrative of resilience and collective suffering. The images captured the struggles faced by the people of Gaza amidst conflict, illness, and deprivation.
One of the poignant aspects of Ms. Shbair’s work was her ability to convey the daily challenges of maintaining contact with her family in Gaza while being displaced in Cairo.
Alongside Ms. Shbair, other talented photographers were also recognized, including Abdulrahman Zaqout for his documentation of famine in Gaza and Sami Al Olaibi for his astrophotography showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
The HIPA Grand Prize was awarded to Liping Cao from China for a compelling image highlighting the need for sustainable development. Additionally, photographers from India and Sri Lanka were also honored for their exceptional work in various categories.
Through their powerful imagery, these photographers shed light on important issues and showcased the beauty and resilience of the region. The HIPA continues to be a platform that celebrates and promotes the art of photography on a global scale.
Published – November 13, 2024 11:19 pm IST
