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Xposure 2026 Photography Festival Opens in Aljada with New Hadara Stage
Gulf Today · 29 Jan 2026 · 1 min read
The 10th anniversary of the Xposure International Photography Festival has launched in Aljada, featuring a new stage for global dialogue and 126 talks.
The Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 has commenced its seven-day programme in Aljada, Sharjah. Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, this tenth-anniversary edition introduces the Hadara Stage, a new space designed to facilitate global dialogue through photography and film. The festival runs until 4 February.
According to Gulf Today, the event features more than 126 talks and discussion sessions led by international experts. The programme includes Stage X, which hosts panels on migration, ethical documentation, and building trust in sensitive environments. Athens is featured as the Guest of Honour, with specific sessions exploring cultural links between Greece and the Middle East.
The festival also provides extensive professional development opportunities, including 72 workshops and over 280 portfolio review sessions. These sessions cover various disciplines such as street, documentary, landscape, and cinematic photography. Participants can engage in practical training focused on lighting, composition, and technical control.
One-to-one portfolio reviews connect photographers with industry professionals, including editors from National Geographic and NPR. These sessions are designed to provide feedback on creative projects and career progression. The Hadara Stage specifically highlights the role of visual storytelling in fostering empathy and addressing investigative wildlife filmmaking.
KEY POINTS
- The festival runs for seven days in Aljada starting 29 January
- Introduction of the Hadara Stage for cross-border cultural dialogues
- Over 126 talks and 72 workshops scheduled for the 10th edition
- Athens is the designated Guest of Honour for the 2026 event
- More than 280 portfolio reviews offered by international industry experts
WHY IT MATTERS FOR ALJADA
This event brings world-class cultural programming and international experts directly to Aljada. For residents and visitors, it provides access to high-level creative education, global networking, and diverse discussions on photography and film, establishing the community as a significant hub for international arts and media in Sharjah.
