HIPA gains Membership into the International Photographic Council (IPC)

The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has officially joined the International Photographic Council (IPC) as a member association. HIPA joins 8 other member associations who will take part in the IPC Awards Luncheon on the May 15, 2014 at the United Nations in New York City. HIPA also becomes the first member association from the Middle East and Arab world to join the IPC and take part in the prestigious Awards Luncheon.

The International Photographic Council (IPC) is a multinational, non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) of the United Nations, composed of representatives from every major sector of the photographic industry. Founded in 1974, IPC is dedicated to increasing worldwide recognition of photography as a universal means of communication. IPC’s motto is "Peace through Understanding, Understanding through Photography, the Universal Language."

Commenting on HIPA’s membership, the Assistant Secretary General, Sahar Al Zarei said "HIPA’s steady growth and development and growth over the past 3 years has been a natural step for an organisation representing Dubai and the UAE’s aim for artistic and cultural excellence." "The continued support for ambitious initiatives by the UAE’s leadership has allowed us to continually seek new challenges and aim for the top spot in the field of photography." "What HIPA has achieved over the past 3 years, including this latest milestone, is no more than the beginning in our future adventures and endeavours."

Ali bin Thalith to be awarded with IPC Leadership Award

Ali bin Thalith, The Secretary General of HIPA / Courtesy of HIPA

The Secretary General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), Ali bin Thalith, is set to be awarded with the International Photographic Council’s (IPC) Professional Photographer Leadership Award. Bin Thalith is set to be honoured alongside 8 other distinguished international photographers, each of whom will be receiving accolades on behalf of their IPC member associations. The award recipients will be honoured at the 16th Annual IPC Pro Award Luncheon at the United Nations in New York City on Thursday, May 15, 2014.

Bin Thalith, who is set to be the first Emirati and Arab recipient of the IPC Professional Photographer Leadership Award, will be presented the accolade for his career work in the field of photography. Hailing from Dubai, Bin Thalith has participated in underwater expeditions throughout Asia, including Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands and Sipadan in Malaysia, and helped establish an educational program for children in both areas. An active member of the UAE wildlife program, he helps raise awareness of local species and habitat through his photography.

Recently, Bin Thalith led a delegation on behalf of HIPA to provide photography training and workshops for Syrian children at the Emirates-Jordan refugee camp in Northern Jordan. One of his most notable works is the short documentary 'Gaza Diver,' which narrates the journey of a young amputee who travels to Dubai for medical treatment thanks to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

IPC President James Chung said "The IPC welcomes Ali bin Thalith into the distinguished list of past and present photographers who have been awarded with our leadership award." "The standards set throughout Ali's career are clearly reflected in his organisation (HIPA), whom we are proud to have as part of the IPC for the very first time." Chung continued, "The honourees, nominated by professional photography organizations, are selected because they best represent the groups' criteria and ideals."

Commenting on his forthcoming award, Bin Thalith said "It is an absolute honour to be presented with this prestigious international accolade on behalf of my organisation (HIPA) and country (UAE) and every single Emirati and Arab photographer." "The art of photography perfectly embodies the aspirations of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates in striving to become global leaders in arts, innovation and creativity." "It is the faith and trust of our astute leadership in Dubai and the UAE that inspired me to excel in my field, and will further help all aspiring Emirati photographers to reach the international recognition they deserve."