Sultan bin Ahmed inaugurates ‘Xposure 2025’

Running until February 26, the festival brings together 420 photographers, filmmakers, and experts in visual storytelling from 48 countries, presenting their creative works through a diverse range of events, as well as solo and group exhibitions.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi explored the expansive 49,000-square-meter venue, engaging with exhibitors and gaining firsthand insights into diverse visual storytelling genres, from documentary to humanitarian photography. He also reviewed the festival’s comprehensive event program and workshops designed to nurture and advance photographers’ skills.

The innate instinct to express and preserve memories

In his opening address, His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, underscored the profound role of photography in documenting reality and conveying human emotion: “When the first photograph was taken in 1826, the process was far from the simple click of a button we know today. It was a painstaking endeavour requiring hours of preparation and patience. At the time, capturing just 50 images was considered a scientific and artistic achievement, akin to uncovering the secrets of an unseen world. In 2024 alone, nearly two trillion images were taken globally—an undeniable testament to humanity’s innate desire to document, express, and preserve memories.”
Comparing AI-generated images of popular works like the Afghan Monalisa to the actual photographs, he asked: “What gives an image its true power? It is the lenses of those who venture into the world’s most challenging landscapes, who take risks, wait for the decisive moment, and immerse themselves in the lives of others to bring us images that move and inspire. AI has its place in shaping the future. It is an invaluable tool for research, analysis, and innovation. However, no technology can replace the human eye, the soul, and the depth of human emotion.”

Since Xposure’s inaugural edition, our mission has been to honour artists whose vision extends beyond technology, those who redefine the human experience not just through their cameras but through their patience, dedication, and insight. And what better place to host this celebration than Sharjah, a longstanding beacon of culture, literature, and the arts?”, Allay concluded.

A global platform that takes Sharjah’s vision to the world

During the opening ceremony of the ninth edition of Xposure, Glen Gainor, Head of Production at Amazon Original Films, delivered an inspiring speech in which he emphasised that photographs and films are not merely documentary tools but windows to the world, carrying a profound impact on how we understand our surroundings.

Gainor praised Sharjah’s vision, rooted in knowledge and education under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, noting that the emirate has successfully established itself as a global centre for wisdom and culture.

He highlighted that beyond words lies a universal language without borders—the language of imagery—which possesses a unique power to move and inspire through visual storytelling. Gainor pointed out that Xposure has become a platform that carries Sharjah’s vision to the world, where ideas and cultures converge, and shared values are brought to life. He underscored the festival’s role in addressing environmental issues such as climate change and the natural world, which collectively shape our shared future as human beings.

Gainor further noted that the artistic values embedded within Xposure reflect excellence and creativity, aligning with his extensive experience in the film industry. Having witnessed the evolution of the industry—from relying on traditional materials to the advent of modern technologies that have redefined the role of both still and moving images—he remarked on the transformative power of innovation in visual storytelling.

He also underscored how the digital revolution and new platforms such as YouTube have reshaped the world of imagery, opening doors for fresh voices from across the globe. "Today, we live in an era where cultures intertwine, and people engage in a global dialogue through images. This not only highlights the brilliance of human intelligence but also expands the horizons of visual storytelling to new and uncharted territories."

Gainor reaffirmed that the pursuit of truth through the lens has become a universal source of inspiration. He stressed that images are not just tools for preserving creativity but also powerful conduits for amplifying voices from diverse cultures around the world. "Every story has the potential to build bridges and foster meaningful human dialogue," he said.

Holding the line: Photographers’ duty to champion the truth

Environmental photographer and activist Sebastian Copeland spoke at Xposure 2025 about the impact of climate change on polar ice, sharing his experience of leading 27 polar expeditions and covering over 10,000 kilometres on skis to document environmental changes in some of the most isolated places on Earth.

Copeland said: "In the Arctic, one of the most remote and challenging places to visit on this planet, I had the opportunity to explore areas untouched by human footsteps and photograph locations that exist on the map as nothing more than ‘the pole.’ Yet, even there, my lens captured pieces of plastic carried by ocean currents—a stark reminder that no place on Earth is untouched by pollution."

Plastic pollution extends far beyond what we can imagine, with microplastic particles now entering the bloodstream and even affecting the brain. In some areas, these particles exceed the natural levels of salt, posing a serious threat to ecological balance, he added.

Copeland also emphasised that climate change knows no borders and does not recognise passports—it is a global crisis affecting all parts of the world. Rising temperatures have disrupted ecosystems, altered migratory bird patterns, and reduced the survival rates of their offspring. The decline in species forming the foundation of the food chain is leading to severe ecological imbalances. He pointed out that these environmental shifts are already triggering mass migrations due to harsh conditions such as drought and food insecurity.

On the topic of solutions, Copeland commended the UAE’s environmental initiatives, particularly its ambitious climate action plans extending to 2050, which serve as a global model for sustainable development. He stressed that knowledge is humanity’s lifeline and that photographers bear a significant responsibility in documenting environmental issues. "Photography is not just a powerful tool for raising awareness; it plays a pivotal role in shaping global decisions," he noted.

Copeland also underscored the importance of maintaining credibility in the age of artificial intelligence, warning that ensuring the truthful representation of reality is more critical than ever.

The festival opened with an inaugural film that explored the power of imagery in documenting reality and shaping human awareness. Using a visual analogy, it compared pixels in an image to cells in living organisms, highlighting how small details come together to create a complete picture—whether in art or nature.

The screening featured a live performance blending poetry and music, enhancing the cinematic experience with an interactive artistic touch. This fusion of visuals and live expression celebrated the role of imagery in inspiring change and reflecting Sharjah’s commitment to knowledge, culture, and the arts. The presentation underscored the impact of creative storytelling in conveying human experiences and strengthening global connections.

Xposure offers photography and visual storytelling enthusiasts a fully immersive experience over seven days, featuring specialised workshops, discussion panels, film screenings, portfolio review sessions, and group discussions. The festival also provides visitors with the opportunity to join guided tours and attend the fourth edition of the Conservation Summit, which highlights the role of photography in documenting environmental issues and raising global awareness.

The opening of the festival was attended by several distinguished guests, including Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler's Office; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Engineer Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Municipal Affairs; His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Butti Al Hamed, Head of the National Media Office; and Her Excellency Mariam Mwinyi, First Lady and wife of the President of Zanzibar. The event also welcomed a number of senior officials, photographers, and media representatives.