The award ceremony and exhibition of Sharjah Award for Arabian Photography held on Monday, 5^th November 2012 at the American University of Sharjah was presided by HH. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and attended by senior professional photographers, government officials, academic students, corporate dignitaries and representatives from the media fraternity.  In due consideration of the relentless support extended in promoting the creative hands behind the camera lens and actively sponsoring the event, HH. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi appreciated the Managing Director of Grand Stores – Mr. Mohammed Abu Issa & the Technology Division Director of Grand Stores – Dr. Omar H. Ghanayem and officially presented them with a memento.  As a token of respect and goodwill Mr. Mohammed Abu Issa gifted His Highness, the Fujifilm X100 Black Limited Edition Premium set which is considered a magnificent masterpiece in the most advanced world of digital photography.

The event also conferred special tribute to Sheikha Al Suwaidi – the first female photographer of the Emirates who embarked on her mission in photography at a mere age of 16 during the early 1950s.  Whilst HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi applauded her merits in photography, an exclusive video footage depicting the life and achievements of Shaikha Al Suwaidi was screened on-stage under the sponsorship banner of Grand Stores.  Inspiring the art of photography and throwing light into the technical details of capturing the perfect images, exclusive workshops were also conducted by Nikon and Fujifilm as a part of the 3 day event which showcased some of the best photography talents in the Emirates.  Emphasizing the fundamental principles of digital photography and sharing the tips & tricks in clicking the best shots, the interactive workshops went well received by the attendees.  Grand Stores had also put-up a Nikon Clinic at the venue offering free lens cleaning and camera check-up services for the photographers.

By putting up a smile and simultaneously encouraging the student community at the University City of Sharjah to venture into the field of digital photography, ‘Click a Funny Face & Win 3 Fujifilm Digital Cameras’ competition by Grand Stores was yet another initiative that attracted much attention.  Three of the students who captured the most amusing candid funny faces and posted it on the purpose-built Fujifilm photo-wall at the American University of Sharjah building were acknowledged and they all walked away with Fujifilm camera kits, sponsored by Grand Stores.

Upholding the historical importance, artistic significance and professional merit of photography as a subject and accentuating the scientific advancements that have revamped the world of digital photography, Sharjah Award for Arabian Photography 2012 proved to be yet another episode of success sponsored by Grand Stores.

Main Winners

Top Winners

Under the patronage of Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammad bin Khaled Al Nahyan, the Al Ain Photographia Award was officially launched in September 2011. The project which is to become an annual and prestigious event in the UAE’s cultural calendar was officially sponsored by Grand Stores with NIKON as the exclusive imaging partner.

The objective of this contest was to challenge photography enthusiasts to explore the city and capture the unique spirit of Al Ain in any way that inspires them. Images were submitted on-line through a website exclusively hosted for this purpose: www.alainphotographiaaward.ae  The competition was open until 13th November 2011 and participants could send up to 5 images for consideration by a distinguished panel of judges.

On 27th November 2011, the winning contestants were officially announced and the grand prizes were given away at a prestigious Awards Ceremony hosted in Al Ain Municipality Theatre.  While high-end professional NIKON DSLR cameras such as D700, D7000, D90, D5100, D3100 kits and photography accessories were sponsored by Grand Stores, a total prize money of AED 190,000 was provided by the Al Ain City Municipality.  In addition, the applicants who submitted photographs that received the highest number of on-line votes as a part of ‘People’s Choice Award’ were presented with NIKON Coolpix camera kits too.  As per the records, 9,240 public votes were received online.

Al Ain Photographia Award 2011 received a total of 4,370 photographs capturing the multiple expressions of the Oasis City.  NIKON camera kits and cash prizes were presented to every eligible winners at the Award Ceremony.  Attended by Royal figures and senior members of the municipality, the event also witnessed the launch of a 3 week-long exhibition of short-listed images for public viewing.  Grand Stores corporate logo & Nikon branding remained well expressed in all the publicity campaigns associated with this dignified event.