Highlights from the winning entries in the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award 

Short Url
Updated 15 November 2024
Follow

Highlights from the winning entries in the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award 

DUBAI: Here are three highlights from the winning entries in this year’s Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award.

Youmn Mohammed Almanla 

The Saudi photographer claimed second place in the ‘Color’ category of this year’s HIPA awards for this stunning image of horse riders firing rifles against a twilight sky — an example of the ancient Moroccan equestrian art known as ‘tbourida,’ which is included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is, Almanla said in his statement, “a breathtaking display of skill, bravery, and the untamed spirit of the desert.” 

Liping Cao 

The Chinese photographer picked up the Grand Prize at this year’s awards (staged under the theme ‘Sustainability’) for this dramatic black-and-white shot he named “Quiet Power.” It shows an Australian wind farm. “The dry riverbed below the turbines adds depth, while serving as a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices,” a statement from HIPA reads. 

Fatma Alzahra Shbair 

The Palestinian photographer won first prize in the “Portfolio” category for a collection of scenes from the Gaza Strip taken over the months since Israel launched its assault on the enclave in October 2023. “Through telling the stories of others, the storyteller realized they were also sharing their own — an intertwined account of survival and collective suffering,” a HIPA statement reads.  


Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad show new couture collections in Paris

Updated 29 January 2026
Follow

Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad show new couture collections in Paris

  • Saab’s collection uses light as central theme
  • Exploration of structure, movement by Murad

DUBAI: Lebanese designers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad presented their Spring/Summer 2026 haute couture collections in Paris earlier this week.

Look 1 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Saab’s collection referenced light as a central theme, expressed through elongated silhouettes and layered embellishment, according to a statement from the brand.

Look 2 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

The runway featured gowns built on sheer bases, with metallic embroidery, sequins and crystal beadwork creating layered textures across champagne, gold, bronze and soft ivory tones.

Look 3 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Column dresses, deep necklines and floor-length gowns dominated the collection, while draped panels, embroidered capes and sheer overlays added movement.

Look 4 by Elie Saab. (Supplied)

Several looks incorporated fringed detailing and geometric patterns, with crystal embellishments catching the light as models walked.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

Accessories were kept minimal, allowing the focus to remain on craftsmanship and surface technique.

Meanwhile, Murad’s collection also placed craftsmanship at the center of the show.

Look 1 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

According to the house, the collection explored structure and movement, using corsetry to define the body and draping to create fluidity.

Look 2 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

The runway featured fitted gowns and sculpted eveningwear built around structured bodices, many finished with dense embroidery, crystals and metallic thread.

Look 3 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

A palette of champagne, pale blue, sage green, ivory and gold ran throughout the show, with strapless silhouettes, off-the-shoulder gowns and column dresses appearing alongside sheer panels, thigh-high slits and flowing trains.

Look 4 by Zuhair Murad. (Supplied)

Shorter dresses with crystal-encrusted bodices were shown alongside floor-length gowns, with sheer layers and extended trains.