Visual storytellers honoured in Dubai for capturing Hatta's spirit

Dubai: In a heartfelt celebration of creativity and community, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA), in partnership with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), hosted a special ceremony to honor the winners of the photography and video competition “Hatta: Through the Lens of Light.”

The event brought together senior officials, artists, and community members—including Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, and Ali Khalifa Bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA—to celebrate powerful works that captured the natural beauty and spirit of Hatta through fresh eyes.

The competition was part of GDRFA’s ongoing efforts to connect with the community through creativity, culture, and shared values. It also supports the goals of “2025: Year of Community,” an initiative that encourages social engagement and celebrates the human side of institutions.

Artists from around the world took part, submitting striking photos and videos that told stories of identity, belonging, and nature. Their works highlighted the rich landscape of Hatta and the deeper meanings that connect people to place.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Al Marri said that celebrating creativity is not a luxury, but an important part of who we are as a society. He thanked His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, for his support of HIPA, which has helped make Dubai a global hub for visual arts. “Art has the power to bring people together and tell stories that go beyond words,” he said.

Ali Khalifa Bin Thalith echoed this message, saying:

“We’re proud to work with GDRFA to show how visual arts can create lasting impact in communities. These images highlight the beauty of our country and the identity we share, and they speak to global themes that matter—especially to young people. The winning entries truly stood out for their strong ideas and emotional power.”

Photography Category:

The winners’ work was praised for its originality, visual quality, and deep sense of place. Judges looked for entries that not only showed technical skill but also carried a meaningful message—images and stories that reflect life in the UAE and the unique charm of Hatta.

This event is part of GDRFA’s wider efforts to highlight its human values and build strong, creative relationships with the community. It also shows how government and culture can come together to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

The evening ended with a joyful awards ceremony that blended art and community spirit. It was a celebration of everyone who believes in the power of images—not just to reflect life, but to shape it.