Secretary General of HIPA Awarded for His Work in the Field of Photography

The Secretary General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), Ali bin Thalith has been awarded with the International Photographic Council’s (IPC) Professional Photographer Leadership Award at the IPC Pro Luncheon.

Bin Thalith became the first Emirati and Arab recipient of the IPC Professional Photographer Leadership Award,and was presented the accolade for his career work in the field of photography by IPC President James Chung.

Ali bin Thalith, the Secretary General of HIPA, presented with IPC Leadership Award / Courtesy of HIPA

During his career, 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.

Reflecting on his winning of the IPC‘sProfessional Photographer Leadership Award Bin Thalith said, "I am delighted to be here today with some of the most outstanding men and women in the field of photography to be presented with this prestigious accolade." "I hope that through this award, and through the thorough backing of our esteemed leadership, we can inspire more Emiratis and Arabs to excel in the field of photography."