The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, known globally as HIPA, is one of the most influential photography prizes connected to the UAE and the wider region. It matters for photographers because it combines a headline prize pool with category formats that reward both single image excellence and long form storytelling.

For the 2026 season, HIPA has announced the main theme Family and confirmed the submission deadline and category lineup, including a new category that bridges photography and controlled AI interpretation.

What is HIPA

HIPA is Dubai based and runs an annual themed award season alongside photography activities such as workshops and talks, keeping it connected to the practice and community side of photography, not only the prize moment.

HIPA 2026 in one minute

• Grand total prize pool: $1,000,000

• Grand Prize: $200,000

• Theme category: Family

• Submission window: 10 January 2026 to 31 May 2026, 23:59 UAE time (GMT+4)

• Who can enter: 18+, online submissions

Categories for the HIPA 2026 season

HIPA’s 2026 structure gives photographers multiple “entry paths” depending on how you work.

1) Family (Theme)

This is the flagship theme category. The official brief invites photographers to interpret family both in human terms and as a broader idea of belonging and interconnected systems.

2) Dreams Through AI (New)

This category is designed as a photography first challenge. Participants submit an original photograph and then an AI generated interpretation that represents an imagined dream version of the original concept. The competitive edge is the strength of the original photograph and the clarity of the concept.

3) Sports Photography

A dedicated category focused on freezing action, intensity, and the spirit of competition through strong timing and visual storytelling.

4) Portfolio (Story Telling)

This category rewards narrative depth. You submit 5 to 10 photographs that tell one story.

5) General (Colour and Black and White)

A strong option if your best work does not fit the theme tightly. The General category has two sub categories: Colour, and Black and White.

Prize money (what you can win)

HIPA is often described as one of the richest photography prizes globally because of its total pool and the size of category awards.

Grand Prize: $200,000

Theme and category prizes (top 3):

• Family: 1st $40,000, 2nd $30,000, 3rd $20,000

• Dreams Through AI: 1st $40,000, 2nd $30,000, 3rd $20,000

• Sports Photography: 1st $40,000, 2nd $30,000, 3rd $20,000

• Portfolio (Story Telling): 1st $50,000, 2nd $40,000, 3rd $30,000

• General Colour: 1st $40,000, 2nd $30,000, 3rd $20,000

• General Black and White: 1st $40,000, 2nd $30,000, 3rd $20,000

Special awards (2026 season):

• HIPA Photographer of the Year: $80,000

• Photography Content Creator Award: $50,000 (by invitation)

• Photography Appreciation Award: $100,000 (by invitation)

Entry rules you should not miss

These points often decide whether an entry is accepted or discarded, so treat them like a checklist.

• Submissions are online only and must be made during the official submission window.

• You can submit one photo per category, except Portfolio which requires 5 to 10 images.

• The same photo cannot be submitted in more than one category.

• File requirements include JPEG format, minimum 5 MB, and minimum 2000px on the longest edge, suitable for publication.

• AI generated images are accepted only in the Dreams Through AI category.

If anything about your eligibility, authorship, or category fit is unclear, verify directly on the official Family 2026 award page and rules section on HIPA’s website.

Why HIPA is important for the photography community

HIPA matters beyond the prize money because it pushes photographers to work at a high editorial standard across multiple formats:

• One image excellence through theme, sports, and general categories

• Narrative practice through Portfolio storytelling

• A structured space for photographers exploring AI as interpretation, while keeping the original photograph as the anchor

It also stays active through community programming like workshops and lectures listed on its platform, which helps reinforce photography as an evolving craft in the region.

How to submit a stronger entry (practical tips)

Choose a category strategically

If your best image is not clearly “Family,” consider General. If you have a coherent series with a clear beginning and ending, Portfolio is often your strongest positioning.

Write your caption like a curator

HIPA requires titles and descriptions for submitted photos, and a set description for Portfolio. Use concise, factual context and avoid over explaining.

Treat Dreams Through AI like a concept test

The original photo should stand on its own. The AI interpretation should feel like an intentional extension of your concept, not a filter experiment.

The Art Fair Guy Consultancy

For photographers: If you want to compete seriously in prizes like HIPA, I can help you select the right category, edit your submission down to the strongest images, and tighten your captions and portfolio narrative so it reads like a juror friendly entry.

For organisers: If you are building a photography prize, festival, or open call in the GCC, I can help you design category structures, rules, judging criteria, and submission workflows that attract higher quality applicants and protect your credibility long term.

FAQ

What is the HIPA Photography Award

HIPA is an international photography award season based in Dubai, with themed categories, special awards, and a total prize pool of $1,000,000 for the 2026 season.

What is the HIPA 2026 theme

The 2026 theme category is Family.

What is the HIPA 2026 deadline

The deadline is 31 May 2026 at 23:59 UAE time (GMT+4).

Can I submit more than one image

You can submit one photo per category, except Portfolio where you submit 5 to 10 images telling one story.

Are AI images allowed

AI generated imagery is accepted only in the Dreams Through AI category, paired with an original photograph.