Dubai: The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) is inviting photographers from around the world to submit their best work to the 14th season of its prestigious annual competition, themed ‘Power’. With a total prize pool of US$1 million, the competition offers both emerging and established talent the opportunity to showcase compelling visual narratives, push creative boundaries, receive financial support, and gain international recognition. According to Emirates News Agency, this year’s competition features five categories: Power (Main Theme), Sports Photography, Drone (Video), Portfolio (Story-Telling), and General (Colour and Black and White). Highlights of the 2025

Sharjah: In implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, 1,232 personnel from the emirate’s security bodies have been granted new ranks following the cancellation of the ‘Senior Assistant’ and ‘Chief Assistant’ ranks. According to Emirates News Agency, the modifications will apply retrospectively to members of the Sharjah Police General Command, the Amiri Guard General Command, the Sharjah Police Academy, and the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority beginning 26th March 2025. Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, expressed his gratitude for His Highness the

Fujairah: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Emirate hosted a pioneering conference on adventure tourism. The Fujairah International Conference of Adventure Tourism, organised by the Fujairah Adventures Centre in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), marked a significant step for the industry in the region. According to Emirates News Agency, the event drew participation from key figures in tourism, with a concentrated focus on adventure tourism. The conference featured five sessions that delved into pivotal topics within the sector, collectively contributing to a strategic

Dalma Island: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, paid a visit to Dalma Island, where he met with several residents of the island. During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan praised the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasising the leadership’s commitment to the development of the region and to ensuring a dignified life for Emiratis. According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan commended the ongoing efforts and integrated development plans, highlighting the significant resources allocated by the wise leadership to follow up on the affairs of UAE

Sharjah: The University of Sharjah (UOS) recently celebrated the graduation of 190 students who completed professional diploma programs developed in collaboration with various government institutions and agencies. According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony, hosted by the University’s Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Development, recognized graduates including employees of partner organizations and job seekers who completed specialized training programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of the labor market. The event marked the culmination of a diverse array of diploma programs, such as the Professional Diploma in Leadership Development for the Sharjah Public Works Department and the Professional Diploma

Abu Dhabi: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Lebanese Foreign Minister and Minister of Expatriates, Youssef Rajji. The Lebanese President and his delegation were accompanied by Dr. Yousef Al-Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, during their tour of the mosque’s halls and exterior corridors. According to Emirates News Agency, they were introduced to the mosque’s cultural message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness, inspired by the legacy and values of the founding father. They also learned about the significant role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting

Dubai: The 21st edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) concluded today under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. This year’s edition recorded 137 nominations from 42 countries, reflecting humanitarian efforts’ global scale and diversity. The awards covered 12 categories, highlighting multiple fields of service and impact. According to Emirates News Agency, among the distinguished recipients of the Humanthropy 2025 Awards was Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Dubai, who was honoured with

Mumbai: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the country’s plan to establish WAVES global awards for art and creativity, aspiring to parallel renowned accolades like the Oscars and the Grammys. According to Emirates News Agency, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai on May 1st. During his inaugural address, he highlighted the forthcoming launch of the WAVES Awards, which aim to become the most prestigious honors in the world of art and creativity. The initiative seeks to captivate global audiences and inspire future generations through creativity. The Summit, India’s largest entertainment event in