DUBAI.- Dubai Photo Exhibition’s presentation of over 850 museum-quality artworks ran from 16-19 March in Dubai Design District (d3) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

A private ladies tour also took place on Thursday and was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), alongside a number of high-profile visitors.

Dubai Photo Exhibition was organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), supported by the World Photography Organisation.

Artworks by 129 photographers from 23 countries were selected by 18 renowned curators, led by Head Curator Zelda Cheatle, and were presented in a purpose-built ‘temporary museum’ structure for the exhibition. Visitors also enjoyed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s never-before seen personal photography collection, consisting of images of the Trucial states of the 1960s and post-Union 1970s after the UAE was formed. The exhibition’s accompanying talks, Dubai Photo Forum 2, provided a discussion platform for proposing and debating important and sensitive issues in the field of photography.

Families and photography lovers alike also enjoyed a number of exciting activities featuring top photography experts and professionals as well as the community street style open-air carnival, Photography Fun Street, that included a range of colourful and vibrant activities like musical entertainment, children’s photo challenges, and a range of food trucks.

HE Ali bin Thalith, Secretary General of HIPA, said of the exhibition ‘’HIPA set out nearly one year ago to extend its commitment to Dubai as a hub for photography with Dubai Photo Exhibition 2016, the scale of which was was incredibly ambitious. Thanks to the support of the World Photography Organisation and the tireless dedication of Head Curator Zelda Cheatle, and of the 18 exhibiting curators, the exhibition exceeded all expectations. The hard work and dedication paid off when seeing visitors from all walks of life enjoy these amazing artworks, and we couldn’t be more proud.’’

Scott Gray, Founder and CEO, World Photography Organisation said: “I am so pleased that through HIPA and Dubai Photo Exhibition, together we introduced Dubai to 18 of the world's most influential curators, and Head Curator Zelda Cheatle. We have also had the opportunity to bring to Dubai more than 850 photographs that span the history the the medium and connect Dubai to some of the most exciting contemporary photographers working today. The ambition for this project must be applauded.”

‘’In my thirty years working in photography, I have never seen such an endeavour delivered, in such a high quality presentation and with such global reach. Each of the talented curators brought together an extraordinary range of works, from the iconic masters of photographic history to the emerging talents of our time. I was thrilled to see this come together and I know the thousands of visitors enjoyed it as well,’’ said Zelda Cheatle, Head Curator of Dubai Photo Exhibition.

Notable attendees of Dubai Photo Exhibition 2016 included Dr. Amina Al Rostamani, CEO of TECOM; Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, COO of Dubai Design District (d3); Michel Miraillet, ambassador of France to the UAE; and world-renowned photographer, Oscar Mitri, whose works were also exhibited as part of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s private collection at the exhibition.

A Chinese delegation was also in attendance including Ma Xuliang, Vice Consul General; Consuls Jin Lei, Zhao Xiangjun, Xu Haifeng and Yu Yu; and Consular Attaches Deng Weiyun and Ding Mengying.