Sharjah24: In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), the 8th annual edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival (Xposure 2024) held its closing ceremony on Tuesday, after a weeklong celebration of photography, film and other visual mediums with 22,000 attendees.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), this was the festival’s largest edition yet, and hosted a dedicated film programme for the first time in its history. It took place from February 28 - March 5 in Expo Centre Sharjah. 
The closing ceremony witnessed major announcements. First, SGMB unveiled a new visual identity of the festival, which embodies Xposure’s fresh dynamism and focus on creative pursuits. Second, the dates for the 9th annual edition were also announced. Xposure 2025 is set to take place from February 20 to 26. 

During the closing ceremony, HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, stressed that thanks to the contribution of thousands of photographers, speakers and participants, the festival has become a conduit for key messages, carrying them from the heart of Sharjah to every corner of the world. In each image lies the potent force of visual storytelling, which safeguards the present and charts the course for our collective future.
Allay said: "We have been moved by the array of images presented here—some stirring feelings of sorrow, shedding light on the struggles of their subjects, while others igniting joy and reshaping our perspectives. Countless photographs have stirred inspiration within us, touching our souls and reshaping our trajectories. Behind each image lies a tale of dedication, sacrifice, and sometimes even the ultimate sacrifice of life, all in pursuit of capturing and sharing its profound message."

The Director General added: "The public response to the festival has been remarkable. From aspiring photographers seeking guidance from industry leaders to amateurs taking their first steps in the world of photography, this diverse turnout speaks volumes about the festival's resonance within the photography community and beyond.
At the end of the closing ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of SMC, honoured photographers, filmmakers, experts and guests, and photography institutions and unions from across the Arab world and from around the world. 

As part of Xposure 2024, the third edition of the Conservation Summit brought together leading photographers and international journalists who have dedicated many years to environmental conservation and biodiversity efforts across various regions. The summit featured 15 panel discussions led by renowned conservationists, environmental advocates and indigenous leaders.
Additionally, Leica launched the Leica Q2 Monochrom "Sharjah", crafted exclusively to celebrate the emirate's contributions to supporting and promoting photographers, their craft and the industry, locally and globally. The special edition is limited to 50 cameras.

Xposure 2024 offered the public an opportunity to explore 2,500 awe-inspiring and thought-provoking images from around the world, presented by 400 international artists, leaving behind unforgettable impressions with images that narrate diverse and impactful stories, from nature and the environment to wars and conflicts that call for a global humanitarian stance, and a view of world cultures that adorn the world with their unique stories and diversity.
Over seven days, Xposure showcased global talent with over 200 activities led by over 150 world-renowned photographers. The programme included over 90 solo and group exhibitions, more than 79 inspiring talks and discussions, over 27 film screenings, and upwards of 66 expert-led workshops.

The international event also hosted focus groups led by industry experts, guided exhibition tours, book signings, and a trade fair featuring 18 top international brands who featured leading technologies in photography, filmmaking, and more.