The Saleh Al Ustad Award for Creative Photography
Named after one of the earliest fine art photographers in the United Arab Emirates, the Saleh Al Ustad Award reflects his imaginative use of colour, light and cultural reference. It honours exhibitions that embrace experimentation in form, composition and concept, and that use photography as a space for invention and interpretive thinking.
The award includes exhibitions from the Fine Art and Creative Expression, People and Portraiture, Travel and Adventure, Urban and Street Life and Sports and Action themes. These projects are distinguished by a strong personal vision and a considered visual language, showing how photographers shape mood, narrative and atmosphere through creative photographic practice.
2026 Winner – Dmitry Ersler
Russia at Dusk
Noor Ali Rashid Award
Named in honour of Noor Ali Rashid, widely regarded as the father of photojournalism in the United Arab Emirates, this award pays tribute to his lifelong commitment to recording the region’s people, culture and history. His legacy of close, sustained engagement with society underpins the values of accuracy, empathy and responsibility that define this distinction.
Beeah Award
The Beeah Award for Environmental & Conservation Photography recognises exhibitions devoted to environmental, ecological and conservation-based storytelling. Presented in partnership with Beeah, a regional and global leader in sustainability and environmental innovation, the award reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship of the natural world.