Sharjah: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), officially opened the Xposure International Photography Festival, marking its 10th edition under the banner 'A Decade of Visual Storytelling'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), is taking place from 29th January to 4th February 2026 at Aljada, Sharjah. It has brought together over 420 photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, and storytellers for a global celebration of photography, film, and visual culture.
The opening ceremony, emphasizing themes of humanity and the power of images, was highlighted by an address from Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB. He spoke about the role of imagery in an era dominated by technology, urging for images that enhance consciousness and touch the soul. He reiterated Xposure's mission to create a space for humanity and responsibility through visual storytelling.
Guest of Honour Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, also addressed the audience, underscoring the importance of visual storytelling in bridging global understanding. He praised Xposure's role as a platform for international dialogue and highlighted the cultural partnership between Athens and Sharjah.
The event featured a fireside chat with Sanford Climan, President of Entertainment Media Ventures, discussing the impact of AI and digital content on authentic storytelling. Climan emphasized the enduring importance of empathy and creativity in image-making, asserting that human touch remains irreplaceable in the age of technology.
Another session, 'A Visual Dialogue: Human Stories Through Modern Art and Contemporary Photography,' featured Sheikh Sultan bin Sooud Al Qassemi and photographer Muhammed Muheisen. They discussed the role of visual art in documenting exile and displacement, with Muheisen sharing insights from his work with refugees, highlighting the emotional power of images.
Following the opening ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed toured the festival with Haris Doukas, visiting various pavilions that showcased Greece's visual heritage and Sharjah's creative expressions. The tour also included a visit to The Big Heart Foundation and the Sharjah Youth pavilion, where interactive exhibits highlighted the emirate's creativity.
The 10th edition of Xposure International Photography Festival features over 95 exhibitions and 3,200 artworks, along with numerous talks, workshops, portfolio reviews, and a trade show highlighting advancements in photography and filmmaking.