Xposure 2025 kicks off in Sharjah: Global celebration of photography, storytelling

SHARJAH, UAE — The 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival opened with grandeur as Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi inaugurated the event at Aljada, Sharjah. 

The festival, reaffirming the irreplaceable power of human vision and artistry, extends through February 26, thereby marking the outset of a seven-day global convergence of photography, filmmaking and visual storytelling.

Spanning 49,000 square metres, Xposure 2025 brings together 420 renowned photographers, filmmakers and industry experts from 48 countries. Through a dynamic programme composed of solo and group exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops, the festival cements Sharjah’s reputation as a global centre for cultural and artistic exchange.

In his opening address, Director General of SGMB Tariq Saeed Allay emphasised photography’s powerful ability to capture reality and evoke deep 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," Allay said. 

"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,” he noted.

Contrasting AI-generated renditions of iconic images like the Afghan Monalisa with authentic photography, he posed a pivotal question: “What gives an image its true power?” 

The answer, he argued, lies not in algorithms but in the raw, unfiltered vision of photographers who brave the world’s harshest landscapes, take risks, and wait for the defining moment — immersing themselves in the lives of others to capture images that resonate, move, and inspire. 

Allay added that while AI has carved a role for itself in research, analysis, and innovation, no machine can replicate the instinct of the human eye, the depth of human emotion, or the irreplaceable power of lived experience.

Reaffirming Xposure’s founding purpose, he reiterated the festival’s commitment and dedication to honouring and celebrating photographers whose work goes beyond mere technical expertise, through redefining storytelling through patience, dedication, and an unrelenting pursuit of truth. 

“And what better place to celebrate such vision than Sharjah?” he said, reinforcing the unshaken Emirati standing as a distinguished global beacon and hub of cultural excellence, literature, and the arts.

The festival’s global stature was reinforced by a keynote speech by Glen Gainor, who is Head of Production at Amazon Original Films. 

During the inaugural ceremony, Gainor lauded Sharjah’s commitment to education and cultural excellence under the leadership of Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. 

He highlighted that beyond words, pointing that photography serves as a universal language, one capable of transcending borders and shaping global narratives.

“Xposure is not just a festival; it is a platform where cultures converge, where ideas take form, and where the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change to social justice, find visual representation,” Gainor said.

He also noted the transformation of storytelling in the digital arena, where platforms like YouTube and AI-generated images have revolutionised how people consume and generate visual content, warning that “technology may enhance storytelling, but it can never replace the authenticity, patience, and depth that human photographers bring to their craft.”

Moving forward, among Xposure’s most compelling discussions delved into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and photography. As AI-generated images increasingly blur the boundaries between truth and illusion, Xposure 2025 posed a pivotal question: What ultimately determines an image’s authenticity?

The festival’s opening film explored this theme in depth, drawing a striking visual comparison between pixels in an image and cells in a living organism, each an essential component of a larger whole. Enhanced by a live performance blending poetry and music, the screening reinforced photography’s profound ability to shape human awareness and foster global connections.

More than just an exhibition, this year’s Xposure serves as a call to action. From documenting humanitarian crises to exposing environmental devastation, the festival highlights the critical responsibility of photographers to capture truth in its most unfiltered form.

An Immersive Platform for Photography Enthusiasts

Xposure 2025 presents a dynamic and engaging experience for both professionals and aspiring photographers. Attendees can take part in specialized workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, portfolio reviews, and guided tours. Also, the fourth edition of the Conservation Summit will spotlight photography’s crucial role in capturing environmental challenges and amplifying global awareness.

The opening ceremony welcomed a distinguished gathering of guests, including Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, and First Lady of Zanzibar Mariam Mwinyi.