- In association with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) AccessAbilities Expo launches “Determination Without Limits”
The AccessAbilities Expo organizing committee has announced the inaugural of the world’s first-of-its-kind photography contest called “Determination Without Limits”, in association with the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA).
The international competition, which is open to all, is intended to engage professional and amateur photographers across different backgrounds, to celebrate People of Determination (PoD) globally.
It is designed to showcase their accomplishments, how they face difficulties, what makes their contributions valuable to society, and how their determination and good attitude empower others.
The initiative embodies the UAE vision of inclusivity and an enabling environment where everyone can become an active member of society—despite physical or cognitive differences.
A key aim of the competition is to empower photographers among People of Determination, identify their potential, and facilitate them in gaining visibility and access to career or project opportunities, by presenting their work on a high-profile international platform.
The competition organizers encourage all who wish to take part. Entries open on August 11 and close September 7, 2025. A technical committee panel of judges from HIPA will assess the entries and choose the best photographs, which will be announced in a special function on the last day of the AccessAbilities Expo, October 6–8, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The competition rewards worthy cash prizes to the winners, as well as a recognition certificate issued by HIPA in gratitude of their outstanding photographic efforts.
Spreading Hope
In reference to the initiation of this international event, His Excellency Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, HIPA Secretary-General, expressed: “We are honored to collaborate in this cultural event, which holds a noble humanitarian and developmental aspect.
It hopes to reinforce the instruments of hope and resilience for People of Determination, discover and develop their visual abilities, and aid their creative artistic expression—enabling greater integration within society.”
He further stated: “HIPA has a rich history of empowering and enabling People of Determination, at the core of our mission as it was foreseen by the founder of the award, His Highness the Crown Prince of Dubai, who remains closely tracking its progress.”
Embodying the UAE’s Vision
Ghassan Suleiman, CEO at the AccessAbilities Expo, said:
“I would also like to thank the HIPA team for their valuable technical and moral support of this competition. We are proud of this collaboration, which supports the UAE’s vision of a more inclusive and grateful world towards millions of People of Determination and their families around the world.”
He added: “Our long-term aspiration is for “Determination Without Limits” to be a worldwide platform that reflects the beauty, strength, and everyday stories of People of Determination. I invite everyone to join in this open competition.
I believe it will resonate positively with local and international organisations, as it highlights the ambitions of over 1.3 billion People of Determination—around 45% of the world population with their families and communities.”
