HIPA Water: Our Shared Story 2026 – $10,000 First Prize
HIPA’s Water: Our Shared Story 2026 is a global photography competition inviting photographers to document how water shapes people, communities, the planet, innovation, and shared challenges. Participants must submit a photographic story containing 5–10 images. Three winners will receive cash prizes, including $10,000 for first place. Online submissions close on 15 October 2026 at 11:59 PM UAE Standard Time.
Quick Overview
Competition: Water: Our Shared Story
Opportunity Type: Global Photography Competition
Organizer: Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA)
Participation: Photographers worldwide
Submission: Story of 5–10 photographs
Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 or older
First Prize: $10,000
Deadline: 15 October 2026 at 11:59 PM UAE Standard Time
About Water: Our Shared Story
Water: Our Shared Story is organized by HIPA in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
The competition uses photography to document different experiences of water across people, communities, and environments.
Participants are invited to create a photographic story exploring the relationship between:
• Water & People
• Water & Communities
• Water & Planet
• Water & Innovation
• Water & Challenges
The 2026 United Nations Water Conference will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from 8–10 December 2026.
Competition Prizes
Three cash prizes are available in the Water: Our Shared Story competition:
✓ First Prize: $10,000
✓ Second Prize: $8,000
✓ Third Prize: $5,000
Winners must provide the requested personal and bank-account information within seven days after receiving a request from HIPA.
The prize is scheduled to be delivered within two months following the announcement of the competition results.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following participation requirements:
• Participants must be individuals.
• Participants must be at least 18 years old when submitting their photographs.
• The competition accepts online submissions through HIPA’s members page.
• Participants must submit their entries within the official submission period.
HIPA states that photographers from around the world are invited to participate in the competition.
Photography Submission Requirements
Each participant must submit a photographic story consisting of:
• A minimum of 5 photographs
• A maximum of 10 photographs
• A title for the portfolio
• A description of the portfolio
Submitted photographs must meet the technical requirements established by HIPA.
Each photograph must:
• Have an original file in JPEG format.
• Be high quality and high resolution.
• Have a minimum file size of 5 MB.
• Have a longest edge of at least 2,000 pixels.
• Have a quality of at least 300 dpi.
Photographs taken using mobile phones and drones are permitted.
Participants are also requested to upload the original RAW photograph or an unedited version when submitting their work.
Editing and Authenticity Rules
HIPA permits basic technical editing when it does not affect the authenticity or genuineness of the photograph.
However, advanced editing intended to create illusions, deception, or manipulation is prohibited. This includes compositing and creative retouching that changes the authenticity of the image.
Submitted photographs must not contain:
• Tags
• Signatures
• Initials
• Frames
• Borders
• Logos
• Other marks identifying the participant
HIPA may assess and remove photographs that do not comply with these requirements.
Originality and Intellectual Property Requirements
Submitted photographs must be original works created or taken by the participant.
Entries must not contain third-party material unless the participant has obtained the necessary licence, permission, or approval.
Participants must also ensure their entries do not infringe another person’s:
• Copyright
• Trademark rights
• Moral rights
• Privacy or publicity rights
• Other intellectual property rights
If requested by HIPA, participants may need to provide signed permissions or releases relating to identifiable people, copyrighted material, private property, or other protected elements appearing in their photographs.
Content Restrictions
Photographs containing material that HIPA considers inappropriate or offensive may be disqualified.
The official rules specifically identify content including nudity, violence, or material considered contrary to UAE religious, cultural, or public morals, traditions, and practices.
Participants should review these requirements before submitting their portfolio.
Judging and Prize Conditions
HIPA’s judging panel has the authority to reject photographs or submissions.
The judging panel’s decision is final and binding on participants regarding competition matters.
Any applicable taxes, fees, or surcharges connected with a prize are the responsibility of the winner.
Application Process
The competition accepts applications online through the HIPA members platform.
Applicants should:
• Create or access their HIPA member account.
• Prepare a story consisting of 5–10 photographs.
• Prepare a portfolio title and description.
• Ensure each photograph meets the required technical specifications.
• Upload the original files requested by HIPA.
• Review the competition rules and intellectual property conditions.
• Complete the online submission before the deadline.
Application Deadline
Submissions are accepted from 16 September 2026 until:
15 October 2026 at 11:59 PM UAE Standard Time (GMT+4)
Entries submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Official Link
Submit your photographs through the official HIPA members page below.
