Xposure 2025 To Showcase Over 349 Events Celebrating Visual Arts In Sharjah

The Xposure International Photography Festival is set to return to Sharjah, UAE, for its 9th edition from 20th to 26th February, 2025. This year, the event will be held at a new 49,000 sqm venue in Aljada. Attendees can expect an immersive experience with over 349 creative events and 84 hours of programming showcasing the work of leading visual artists.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the festival will welcome more than 400 renowned photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, and storytellers from 49 countries. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore over 3,100 images across 98 exhibitions in state-of-the-art galleries and interactive spaces. Themes such as conservation, culture, and human emotions will be highlighted.

Participants can engage in more than 72 workshops and attend 50 talks led by industry experts. Highlights include Adobe Labs and professional portfolio reviews. The festival also features guided tours, live demonstrations, and book signings to enrich the visitor experience.

The new venue in Aljada represents a strategic collaboration between SGMB and Arada. This partnership aims to create a vibrant space for learning and artistic expression. It further enhances Sharjah’s reputation as a global hub for art and culture.

The festival will also host the Xposure International Awards. These awards recognise achievements in categories like Architectural, Wildlife, Portraiture, Macro, Mobile, Night Photography, and SeeSharjah. The total prize pool is US$60,000. Additionally, the Independent Freelance Photojournalist Award (IFPA) offers a US$15,000 prize.

The Xposure International Film Awards will celebrate cinematic excellence in Short Film, Documentary, and Animation categories. Furthermore, the Global Focus Project Nomination Programme will honour one male and one female photographer from each continent for their outstanding contributions.

Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB stated: "The ninth and largest edition of Xposure reinforces Sharjah’s position as a hub for visual storytelling." He added that it offers a global platform uniting art enthusiasts while fostering innovation and supporting sustainable development.

The festival promises an enriching experience through its diverse offerings. It continues to strengthen Sharjah's role as a centre for cultural exchange and artistic innovation on an international scale.

With inputs from WAM