Xposure 2026: A Global Celebration of Visual Storytelling in Sharjah

A Decade of Visual Storytelling unfolds in Sharjah

The 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival is officially underway at Aljada, Sharjah, transforming the city into a global destination for photography, film, and visual culture until 4 February 2026.

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Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Xposure 2026 marks a defining milestone for one of , Xposure 2026 marks a defining milestone for one of the world’s most influential photography festivals. Under the theme “A Decade of Visual Storytelling,” this landmark edition brings together more than 420 photographers, filmmakers, and visual artists from over 60 countries, presenting 95 exhibitions, 3,200 420 photographers, filmmakers, and visual artists from over 60 countries, presenting 95 exhibitions, 3,200 artworks, and over 570 creative events across seven immersive days.

Held at Aljada, Xposure 2026 is conceived not as a single exhibition, but as a living cultural journey that explores how images shape memory, empathy, truth, and our understanding of the world.

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A Festival Structured Around Distinct Worlds

For the first time in its history, Xposure introduces a zone-based experience, transforming the festival into a series of curated storytelling worlds. From Documentary and Photojournalism to Fine Art, Nature and Wildlife, Travel, Sports, and People and Portraiture, each zone offers its own exhibitions, talks, workshops, and conversations. This structure allows visitors to move through photography as both an art form and a cultural inquiry.

This year also welcomes Athens as Guest of Honour, with a dedicated pavilion showcasing more than 140 artworks by six artists, exploring heritage, philosophy, and contemporary life through a Mediterranean lens.

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World-Class Voices Under One Roof

Throughout the week, Xposure hosts 126 talks and panel discussions, 72 workshops, and 280 portfolio review sessions led by internationally acclaimed practitioners. From legendary photojournalists to fine art innovators, the festival offers rare access to the minds shaping global visual culture today.

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Photography with Purpose

Environmental storytelling takes centre stage on 2 February with the Conservation Summit titled “Troubled Waters.” Bringing together photographers, scientists, and ocean explorers, the summit examines the urgent challenges facing marine ecosystems and demonstrates how visual storytelling can drive awareness, dialogue, and action.

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A Record-Breaking Awards Year

Xposure’s Photography and Film Awards have reached new global heights in 2026, receiving 29,000 photography submissions and 634 film entries from more than 60 countries. This marks the highest participation in the awards’ history and underscores Xposure’s growing role as a platform for excellence, discovery, and international recognition.

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Visit Xposure 2026

Open to professionals, students, and the public, Xposure 2026 invites audiences to engage with images not just as visuals, but as ideas.

Dates: 29 January to 4 February 2026

Location: Aljada, Sharjah

Programme details and updates: www.xposure.net

This week, Sharjah becomes a meeting point for powerful global stories told through images that inform, challenge, and endure.

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