AccessAbilities Expo is teaming up with HIPA on a one-day photography competition in Dubai. It runs on 6 October inside the exhibition halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, with judging the next day and winners announced on 8 October. The brief is clear: capture authentic moments with People of Determination engaging with assistive tech and the community.
What’s happening and when
This is the local spin-off of HIPA’s international “Determination Without Limits” challenge, now focused on UAE photographers and enthusiasts. It coincides with the 7th AccessAbilities Expo, which hosts 250 exhibitors at DWTC from 6–8 October 2025.
- Date: 6 October (shoot and submit the same day)
- Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, exhibition halls
- Audience: Open to amateurs and professionals in the UAE
- Focus: Real moments of accessibility, empowerment and inclusion
The organisers want images that show resilience and ability, not clichés. Think practical solutions, mobility gains and independence supported by tech. The aim is to raise awareness and document both the joy and the challenges People of Determination navigate every day.
How to enter on the day
You must be at the venue on 6 October with a valid badge. Registration is free via a QR code at the HIPA “Determination Without Limits” stand — Booth 350 in Hall 7. Shoot inside the halls and focus on interactions with People of Determination, especially when trying assistive technologies.
- Be physically present on 6 October
- Scan the QR at Booth 350, Hall 7 to register
- Photograph real interactions and trials of assistive tech
- Keep your entry badge handy for access checks
After you upload your entries on 6 October, a jury reviews the next day. Winners are announced at a ceremony on 8 October as part of the Expo programme.
Submission rules (Instagram only)
Entries are Instagram-only. Post a carousel with 5–10 photos taken at the exhibition. Tag @accessabilitiesexpo and @hipaae, mention both names in the caption, and add the official hashtags. Keep your account public until winners are named. The deadline is 11:59 PM UAE time on 6 October. AI-generated images are not allowed.
- Format: Instagram carousel (5–10 images)
- Tags: @accessabilitiesexpo and @hipaae
- Hashtags: #AAExHIPA_2025 and #DeterminationWithoutLimits
- Deadline: 6 October, 11:59 PM (GMT+04:00)
- No AI images; public accounts only
Stick to the brief and the rules. The judges are looking for storytelling and respect. Show consent, dignity and context in every frame.
Prizes, certificates and why it matters
All local participants get a certificate. The top three entries receive cash prizes, with winners recognised at a ceremony on 8 October alongside the international competition.
- Certificates for all local entrants
- Cash prizes for the top three
- On-site recognition during the closing ceremony
Organisers say the competition is designed to support community inclusion and creative expression. It’s about highlighting ability, not just accessibility challenges.
Quick kit and workflow tips for UAE shooters
You’ll be working indoors, often under mixed light and around sensitive demos. Keep it light, fast and respectful.
- Use silent shutter and mind your angles; ask for permission where needed
- Bring fast primes (f/1.8–f/2.8) for low light and shallow depth
- Shoot RAW+JPEG for speed and flexibility
- Build your carousel as a narrative: open wide, then go tighter with details
- Budget time to post before the 11:59 PM cut-off
If you’re editing on the go, a calibrated screen and enough RAM help. See our guide to choosing a laptop for photo editing for baseline specs and panel types (helpful if you’re buying in Dubai).
Do I have to register before shooting?
Yes. Register for free by scanning the QR code at the HIPA stand (Booth 350, Hall 7) on 6 October, then shoot inside the halls.
How many images can I submit?
Post a single Instagram carousel with 5–10 photos, tag the organisers and use the official hashtags. Keep your profile public until winners are announced.
When are winners announced and what do they get?
Judging takes place on 7 October, with an awards ceremony on 8 October. All local entrants receive certificates; top three receive cash prizes.
