Xposure Marks 10 Years of Visual Storytelling with Stellar Global Artists Sharjah, UAE; November 24, 2025 — Xposure’s International Photography Festival will bring together 420 artists from around the world for a celebration of visual storytelling as the acclaimed event marks its tenth edition under the theme “A Decade of Visual Storytelling.” Held from January 29 to February 4, 2026, the festival will transform 49,000 square metres at Aljada into a global hub for photography and film, featuring 570 events, including 95 exhibitions showcasing 3,200 artworks.
Over the past decade, Xposure has firmly established Sharjah as a global destination for visual storytelling — a place where photography, creativity, and social awareness intersect. Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the 2026 edition will be one of the festival’s most ambitious yet, presenting 126 talks, 72 workshops, and extensive portfolio review sessions.
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB, said: Sharjah continues to invest in culture and creative expression, using photography as a medium that fosters understanding and positive change. Xposure has become a global space for human connection, shaped by the stories told and the perspectives captured through the lenses.
Since its launch in 2016, Xposure has evolved into an international meeting point for photographers, filmmakers, and visual artists from more than 100 countries. As part of its wider programme, this year’s Xposure Photography and Film Awards received more than 29,000 entries and 634 films from over 60 countries, reflecting the event’s global reach.
International Recognition Award-winning environmental photographer Sebastian Copeland highlights Xposure as a platform that demonstrates photography not only as art but also as a tool for uncovering truth and raising awareness. He believes photography remains one of the most effective ways to reconnect people with the environment — a message that resonates strongly with Sharjah audiences. At the previous edition, he presented “The Vanishing,” an exhibition tracing 25 years of his explorations in the North Pole. “When nature speaks and we do not listen, photography can make us hear with our eyes,” he said.
Acclaimed American photographer George Steinmetz offered a contrasting perspective with “Feeding the Planet,” a 12-year aerial project documenting global food systems and their environmental impact. What began as a six-month assignment for National Geographic soon evolved into a decade-long passion driven by curiosity and urgency.
Athens as Guest of Honour For the first time, Xposure will feature a Guest of Honour: Athens, showcased through a curated visual programme highlighting its heritage, culture, and contemporary creativity. Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, described the selection as a significant distinction: “It highlights our depth, our lasting influence on global creativity, and our openness to the present. Our legacy is not only inherited but alive — and shaping the future.”
Media Contact:
Hussain Al Mulla – Sharjah Government Media Bureau
+971 56 398 0067 | Hussain.almulla@sgmb.ae
