Ali Bin Thalith
Ali Khalifa bin Thalith is an exceptional and unique talent within the international photography scene. As an award winning Emirati photographer specializing in underwater photography, bin Thalith began his artistic journey in 1995. He completed a Diploma in Documentary Photography from the London Academy, whilst completing a Diploma in French Language and Literature from the University of Montpellier, France.
His accolades include; winning The Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Supporting Youth Projects Best Project in the field of marketing and promotion in 2010, The Leadership in Professional Photography Award from the International Photography Council (IPC) of the United Nations in 2014, (making him the first Arab to win an award for institutional leaders at the UN), and achieved a Direct Fellowship of the Royal Society of Photography in 2018.
In 2018 he was also awarded Photographer of the Year (along with Swiss Photographer Marc Dana) by the Chinese International Festival – Power of the Image, not only for his dedication to the art, but for his continued support to preserving our marine life, nurturing the culture of photography in the Middle East, and spearheading the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) since it was launched in 2011. The Award was established to support and develop the platform of photography both regionally and internationally delivering a robust calendar of programs, and an annual photography competition that has reached 196 participating countries.
Ali bin Thalith continues to be an active member of the Emirati Wildlife Program and all the environmental programs regionally and internationally.
One of his most recent work involves tracking the Eagle Owl, producing a short documentary of its habitat in the wilderness of the United Arab Emirates.