29 January - 4 February 2026

Once again, Sharjah became the global nexus for creativity, dialogue and visual innovation as the Xposure International Photography Festival returned for its landmark 10th edition at Aljada, Sharjah, and Al Marwan Group stood proudly by its side as a Strategic Partner for the second year in a row.

What Is Xposure? A Global Festival of Visual Storytelling

Xposure is a powerful international platform that unites photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, journalists and creative thinkers from around the world. Over seven immersive days, attendees experienced photography and film as tools for insight, empathy and cultural dialogue.

Under the theme “A Decade of Visual Storytelling,” Xposure 2026 showcased 95 exhibitions featuring more than 3,200 works by 420 artists from over 60 countries, across 12 thematic zones, spanning documentary and photojournalism, nature and wildlife, people and portraiture, travel and adventure, and more.

This year’s edition also expanded the festival’s film programme, featuring more than 66 curated film screenings, including an outdoor cinema component that added a cinematic dimension to the visual narrative experience.

The Educational & Professional Value of Xposure

What clearly sets Xposure apart is its commitment to knowledge building and professional development, not just exhibition. A rich programme of activities ensured that learning and creative growth were at the heart of the festival:

• Workshops and masterclasses: Throughout the week, Xposure hosted 72 workshops led by globally recognized professionals. Sessions ranged from underwater photography techniques and editing workflows to emerging content creation in the metaverse and AI-driven visual production.
• Talks and panel discussions: With over 126 talks and dialogues on stages such as the new Hadara Stage, participants explored topics like ethics in photojournalism, visual storytelling as cultural bridge building, and the evolving role of imagery in a digital world.
• Portfolio reviews: More than 280 portfolio review sessions offered invaluable one-on-one feedback with editors, curators and industry experts, helping photographers refine their craft and chart pathways for future creative endeavours.

Students, emerging creators and seasoned professionals alike found both inspiration and tools to push their work further, reflecting Xposure’s evolution into a knowledge platform for creative and professional growth.

Al Marwan Group’s Role as Strategic Partner

During the closing ceremony of Xposure International Photography Festival 2026, held in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Al Marwan Group was formally honored as a Strategic Partner of this landmark global event.

The recognition reflected a clear alignment between the Group’s long-standing values and Xposure’s mission to cultivate knowledge, creativity, and meaningful dialogue through visual storytelling.

For Al Marwan Group, supporting Xposure is about investing in platforms that create lasting educational and cultural impact. By backing an international festival that connects artists, journalists, filmmakers, and young creatives with world-class expertise, the Group actively contributes to strengthening Sharjah’s cultural and media landscape while fostering sustainable growth for the creative economy.

As a Strategic Partner in both 2025 and 2026, Al Marwan Group’s involvement has consistently extended well beyond traditional sponsorship. The partnership is rooted in a shared vision to:

• Supporting knowledge exchange by enabling access to world-class talks, workshops and interactive platforms.
• Empowering creative industries by bridging emerging talent with global experts.
• Advancing Sharjah’s cultural leadership in the creative economy, aligned with the emirate’s vision for innovation and community development.

Our partnership is purposeful, not transactional, and reflects a long-term investment in nurturing creativity and strengthening the ecosystem for visual arts and media professionals.

Shared Values & Vision: Education, Innovation & Community

Al Marwan Group’s strategic partnership with Xposure resonates deeply with our core values:

• Education & Up-skilling: Because knowledge unlocks opportunity, whether for young creatives or established professionals.
• Innovation & Cultural Dialogue: Supporting platforms that expand how stories are told, seen and experienced.
• Community Growth & Collaboration: Fostering environments where ideas flourish and creative communities thrive.

Xposure’s mission to use imagery as a catalyst for understanding and global connection aligns perfectly with Al Marwan Group’s belief in the power of learning, cross-industry collaboration and cultural enrichment.

Impact on the Community & Creative Industries

The 10th edition of Xposure, amplified by strategic partners like Al Marwan Group, brought concrete benefits to the community and creative sector:

• Expanded access to learning: Participants engaged with world-class practitioners, gaining practical insights and mentorship that will shape careers and artistic practices.
• Creative dialogue in the UAE: Sessions explored pressing global issues, from trust and freedom in documentary photography to environmental storytelling and conservation, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.
• Sharjah’s cultural leadership: Positioned as a growing hub for visual arts and storytelling, the festival attracted enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a centre for cultural innovation.

Looking Ahead

Xposure 2026 highlighted why this festival has become an essential date in the global creative calendar, not just for photographers and filmmakers, but for anyone invested in how images shape our understanding of the world.

For Al Marwan Group, this partnership is part of a broader commitment to education, culture and community impact. We are proud to support initiatives that expand access to knowledge, elevate emerging talent and empower industries that enrich society.

As the visual stories of Xposure continue to resonate across continents, Al Marwan Group looks forward to deepening its role as a strategic partner in fostering creativity, learning, and long-term cultural growth.

For more insights on how Al Marwan Group supports innovation and community advancement, visit almarwangroup.com.