Abu Dhabi announces winners of 'Family in Frame' photography award

Dheyab Al Nuaimi's photograph capturing a multi-generational family gathering rooted in Emirati traditions has been awarded the winner of Abu Dhabi's 'Family in Frame' award.

The image captured an "everyday moment" that "reflects how family connections, cultural practices and shared experiences continue to bring generations together", Abu Dhabi Media Office highlighted in its press note.

Launched as part of the UAE Year of Family in March 2026, the nationwide photography competition reinforced the role of photography as a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and preserving the values and traditions that connect generations across the UAE.

Hamada Abdullah was awarded the second place for a black-and-white portrait capturing the traditional Arabic greeting, highlighting a meaningful expression of affection, respect and intergenerational connection, while Ana Backhaus got the third place for a photograph of hands of an adult guiding a child through the process of preparing dough, capturing the transition of knowledge, traditions and care from one generation to the next.

The winners were honoured during a special ceremony at Al Shamkha Majlis in Abu Dhabi.

The contest saw nearly 1,300 submissions from across the UAE, with the final 45 photographs shortlisted following a comprehensive review process by a distinguished judging panel.

.@Majalisabudhabi at the Citizens and Community Affairs Office of the Presidential Court, and @CreativeLabME, part of @cma_abudhabi, have announced the winners of the Family in Frame Award, a nationwide photography competition launched as part of the UAE Year of Family. pic.twitter.com/utdSuSygU2

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 29, 2026

"The winners beautifully captured the warmth, intergenerational bonds and shared values that define family life, while highlighting the power of creative expression to support a cohesive and resilient society," highlighted Salwa Al Hadhrami, Head of Creative Content and Creative Community Projects at Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi (CMA).

Selected works will be showcased during Eid Al Etihad 2026 as part of a curated exhibition.