Xposure adds 5 new zones to visual storytelling programme

The Xposure International Photography Festival 2026 has unveiled five new immersive worlds presented through dedicated thematic zones, offering visitors multiple pathways to explore photography from diverse perspectives.

- Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Photo for Mostafa Ajiawi | from the exhibition: Whispers of the Sky: Sharjah from Above, the work Holy Quran Academy. This aerial shot shows the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah glowing with light. Its octagonal dome and symmetrical design stand out, with illuminated glass and Islamic patterns. The gardens, paths, and roundabouts around it all match the building's perfect layout.

(Mostafa Ajiawi)

Designed as a fully integrated cultural experience, the festival is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors.

The newly introduced zones include the Courtyard zone, which documents everyday life through candid observation; Sports & Action Photography; Nature & Wildlife Photography; Travel & Adventure Photography; and Fine Art & Creative Expression Photography. Together, these additions enrich the visitors’ journey by guiding audiences through visual worlds that combine observation, knowledge, and interaction, positioning photography as a powerful medium for understanding humanity and the transformations shaping the contemporary world.

The five zones feature many photographic exhibitions by leading international photographers, alongside a varied programme of specialised talks, panel discussions, and encounters connected to each thematic area.

These activities form part of the festival programme, which will be held at Aljada in Sharjah from 29 January to 4 February, further enhancing the diversity of experiences on offer and presenting photography as a tool for documentation, knowledge exchange, and cultural dialogue.