INTRODUCTION
Following the remarkable success of the first edition of the "Determination Without Limits" Global Photography Competition, organised by AccessAbilities Expo in partnership with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), AccessAbilities Expo is pleased to announce the launch of the second edition of the competition for 2026.
The first edition received an enthusiastic response from photographers around the world, with inspiring images that celebrated the achievements, resilience, and everyday lives of People of Determination. This year, the competition returns to encourage even more photographers to share powerful visual stories that promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
Open to both professional and amateur photographers worldwide, the competition invites participants to capture meaningful moments that highlight the talents, achievements, and contributions of People of Determination, while raising awareness through the power of photography.
Through their successful partnership, AccessAbilities Expo and the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) aim to inspire positive change, celebrate diversity, and provide photographers with an international platform to showcase their work and stories that contribute to building a more inclusive world.
To learn more about AccessAbilities Expo and its mission to advance accessibility, inclusion, and innovation for People of Determination, visit www.accessabilitiesexpo.com.
Hope in Inclusion
Capture moving stories of resilience and human connection, such as moments of friendship or overcoming challenges with a simple smile.
Artistic Inclusion
Highlighting the creative talents of People of Determination in visual, performance, or literary arts (e.g., a musical performance, painting, or inclusive play).
Assistive Technology & Innovation
Showcase the tools, applications, or solutions like prosthetics and smart devices that empower independence and creativity.
Sports Inclusion
Photograph the strength, skill, and team spirit of athletes with disabilities, or integrated sports events, highlighting energy, emotion, and breaking barriers.
Accessible Environments
Document inclusive urban design and infrastructure such as public spaces, buildings, and transportation that welcome everyone.
About AccessAbilities Expo
AccessAbilities Expo is the leading exhibition in the MENASA region dedicated to accessibility, rehabilitation, assistive technology, and inclusive solutions. The exhibition brings together government entities, healthcare providers, rehabilitation professionals, educators, innovators, and technology companies committed to advancing inclusion and improving the quality of life for People of Determination.
First launched in 2016, AccessAbilities Expo is held annually in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
AccessAbilities Expo has established itself as the region's premier business and networking platform for the accessibility and rehabilitation sector. Organised in partnership with REHACARE International, the world's leading trade fair for rehabilitation and care, the exhibition connects global innovators with regional decision-makers and creates opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and business growth.
Each year, the exhibition welcomes 300+ exhibitors, participants from 50+ countries, and 18,000+ visitors, including People of Determination, their families, healthcare professionals, rehabilitation centres, government entities, educational institutions, distributors, and buyers.
By bringing together the entire accessibility ecosystem under one roof, AccessAbilities Expo continues to drive innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and support the development of more accessible and inclusive communities across the MENASA region.
Hope in Inclusion
Artistic Inclusion
Assistive Technology & Innovation
Sports Inclusion
Accessible Environments
Rules
By participating in the competition, you acknowledge and agree to abide by the following rules and regulations of the "Determination Without Limits" Photography Competition – Season 2:
- The competition is open for online submissions only through the official competition page on the HIPA website: www.hipa.ae.
- Submissions will be accepted from 12:00 PM (UAE Time) on 20 July 2026 until 11:59 PM (UAE Time) on 20 August 2026. Entries received after the submission deadline will not be accepted.
- The competition is open to participants worldwide.
- Participants may submit one photograph per category, with a maximum of five entries, one for each competition category.
- Submitted photographs must be original works created by the participant and must not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, privacy, or intellectual property rights of any third party.
- Images must be submitted in JPEG or RAW format, in high resolution, with a minimum file size of 5 MB. (RAW files are not required at the time of submission but may be requested during verification.)
- Submitted photographs must not contain watermarks, signatures, initials, logos, borders, frames, timestamps, or any identifying marks added by the participant.
- Participants must retain the original image file. Shortlisted participants may be required to provide the original high-resolution file for verification.
- HIPA and AccessAbilities Expo reserve the right to review, verify, accept, reject, or disqualify any submission that does not comply with the competition rules or eligibility requirements.
- Photographs containing offensive, inappropriate, defamatory, violent, sexually explicit, discriminatory, or unlawful content, or content that is contrary to the laws, culture, traditions, or public morals of the United Arab Emirates, will be disqualified.
- By entering the competition, participants grant HIPA and AccessAbilities Expo the right to use the submitted images for promotional, exhibition, educational, marketing, and publicity purposes related to the competition and the exhibition, with appropriate photographer credit.
- The judging panel's decision is final and binding, and no correspondence regarding the results will be entertained.
- Winners will be contacted directly using the contact information provided during registration. Failure to respond within the specified timeframe may result in forfeiture of the prize.
This contest is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Apple Inc. The participants understand that they are providing information to HIPA and not to Apple Inc. Any questions, comments, or complaints regarding the contest should be directed to HIPA and not to Apple Inc.