Xposure Festival 2026 in Sharjah will be one of the most important photography and film events in the Middle East and beyond. The tenth edition of the Xposure International Photography and Film Festival takes place from 29 January to 4 February 2026 at Aljada, Sharjah’s new creative hub, turning 49,000 square metres into a city of images, talks and screenings.

Under the theme “A Decade of Visual Storytelling”, Xposure 2026 celebrates ten years of bringing together leading photographers, filmmakers and visual artists from around the world. More than 420 artists will present 95 exhibitions with 3,200 works, supported by an extensive programme of talks, workshops, portfolio reviews and a large trade show.

For photographers, curators, galleries and visual storytellers, Xposure has become a key meeting point in the global calendar. This guide summarises all essential facts for 2026 and offers practical tips for planning a visit.

What is Xposure International Photography and Film Festival

Xposure is an annual photography and film festival in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB). Since its launch in 2016, it has developed into a global platform for visual storytelling that combines exhibitions, workshops, talks, screenings, portfolio reviews and a dedicated imaging trade show.

The festival promotes both established names and emerging talents through:

• Curated solo and group exhibitions

• The Xposure International Photography and Film Awards

• The Independent & Freelance Photojournalist Award (IFPA)

• The Global Focus Project for underrepresented stories

• Educational programmes and industry networking formats

For many visitors, Xposure is both a learning experience and a rare chance to see world class visual storytelling in one place.

Xposure Festival 2026: Dates, Location and Theme

• Dates: 29 January – 4 February 2026

• Location: Aljada, Sharjah, UAE – a large mixed use development and creative hub with extensive indoor and outdoor space for exhibitions and events

• Theme: A Decade of Visual Storytelling – celebrating the first ten years of Xposure and the power of the image to connect cultures and inspire change

• Scale:

  • 420 photographers, filmmakers and visual artists

  • 95 exhibitions with 3,200 artworks

  • 570 events across the week

Most exhibitions are open throughout the festival days, while talks, workshops and portfolio reviews follow a detailed agenda that will be published in the official Agenda 2026 on the Xposure website closer to the event.

Programme Highlights at Xposure 2026

Xposure 2026 offers a dense programme designed for both professionals and ambitious enthusiasts.

Exhibitions and installations

Visitors can explore 95 curated exhibitions with more than 3,200 photographic and film based works. Topics range from environmental and social documentary to portraiture, conceptual projects and aerial photography.

Talks and panel discussions

The festival schedule includes around 126 talks and panels with leading photographers, editors, curators and filmmakers. These sessions cover:

• Project presentations and behind the scenes stories

• Discussions on ethics in photojournalism

• The future of visual media and AI

• Conservation and environmental storytelling

Workshops and masterclasses

More than 70 workshops and masterclasses allow participants to deepen their technical and creative skills. The 2026 programme features around 72 workshops and 280 portfolio reviews, covering:

• Documentary and editorial photography

• Film and moving image

• Street, landscape and wildlife photography

• Editing, sequencing and photo book development

• Business and marketing for photographers

Workshops usually require separate registration and may have limited seats.

Portfolio reviews and mentoring

For emerging photographers and students, the portfolio review programme is one of the most valuable elements of Xposure. International editors, curators and industry experts provide one to one feedback on projects and career direction.

Film stage, Stage X and screenings

Beyond still photography, Xposure has expanded into film and moving image:

• Film Stage with talks and screenings

• Stage X for live conversations, Q and A sessions and interactive presentations

• Dedicated cinema style screenings across the week

Trade show and brands

A large trade show brings together major camera, lens, printing and imaging brands that present new equipment, printing solutions, accessories and software. It is a good opportunity to test gear, compare systems and speak directly with manufacturers.

Why Xposure 2026 Matters for Photographers and Visual Storytellers

For professionals and ambitious amateurs, Xposure is more than a festival; it is an international meeting point.

Key reasons to attend:

• Networking: meet editors, curators, festival directors, agencies and fellow photographers from more than 60 countries.

• Learning: refine technical and conceptual skills through workshops, talks and mentoring with respected practitioners.

• Exposure: the Xposure Photography and Film Awards receive tens of thousands of entries; in 2026 the awards attracted more than 29,000 photographs and 634 films from over 60 countries.

• Inspiration: curated exhibitions make it easy to see a wide range of approaches, from long term documentary work to experimental moving image.

For galleries, institutions and brands, Xposure is also a platform to scout talent and observe current trends in visual storytelling across the MENA region and beyond.

FAQ about Xposure Festival 2026 in Sharjah

When does Xposure Festival 2026 take place?
The festival runs from 29 January to 4 February 2026 at Aljada in Sharjah, UAE.

Where is the venue and how big is it?
Xposure is hosted at Aljada, a large mixed use development and creative hub in Sharjah. For 2026, the festival uses around 49,000 square metres of exhibition and event space.

How many exhibitions and events are planned?
Xposure 2026 features approximately 95 exhibitions with 3,200 works and more than 570 events, including talks, workshops, portfolio reviews and screenings.

Is Xposure suitable for beginners and students?
Yes. While many sessions target professionals, Xposure offers entry level workshops, guided tours and portfolio reviews that are designed for students and ambitious hobbyists as well.

How can I submit my work to the Xposure Awards?
Submissions for the Xposure International Photography and Film Awards are handled online via the festival website. The competition typically opens months before the festival, with several categories for photography and film.