Metaverse And VR Workshops Led By University Of Sharjah At Xposure 2026

The College of Communication at the University of Sharjah participated in the 10th Xposure International Photography and Film Festival 2026 by running specialised workshops on interactive content and virtual reality. Over three days, the programme introduced students and visitors to new skills in digital storytelling at the festival’s Filmmakers Hall workshop zone.

The sessions guided participants through key stages of planning and producing content for virtual environments, including metaverse platforms. They highlighted tools and techniques now common in media work, helping attendees understand how immersive technologies influence newsrooms, communication units, and creative industries across the region and beyond.

The workshops, led by Ahmed Al Mashmashi from the University of Sharjah’s College of Communication, examined how to design and build virtual spaces for media use. Participants learned filmmaking methods using 360-degree techniques and explored software used to create and manage metaverse environments for professional communication tasks.

Content was tailored for a broad audience, including media organisations, communication departments in government bodies and corporations, as well as startups. The training focused on producing material that can be adapted to different institutional needs, while still using the same core immersive tools and applications introduced during the festival programme.

Alongside these activities, University of Sharjah students joined other festival events and specialised workshops, gaining exposure to various visual storytelling approaches. Many also entered the documentary zone for the student competition, where photography projects and short films were produced in line with themes selected by Xposure International Photography and Film Festival 2026.

Participating student Sultan Mohammed Al Maider said the workshops supported the development of communication students’ skills and encouraged regular attendance at media-focused events, festivals, and forums. Sultan Mohammed Al Maider noted that the training improved understanding of technical settings and applications necessary for effective photography in professional and educational contexts.

Another student, Rashid Abdullah Al Ketbi, described a photography workshop at Xposure International Photography and Film Festival 2026 as a clear and practical introduction to imaging applications. Rashid Abdullah Al Ketbi said the hands-on format made camera settings easier to understand and apply. UoS student Alaa Wael reported gaining advanced skills in using 360-degree cameras and capturing scenes from all angles.

Alaa Wael explained that the workshop strengthened both theoretical knowledge and practical abilities, while offering direct experience with current technologies in photography and content creation. The University of Sharjah’s participation at Xposure International Photography and Film Festival 2026 therefore provided students with exposure to immersive tools that are increasingly relevant to communication careers.

With inputs from WAM