| Copyright | The entrant permits the organizers to reproduce all or part of the entered material free of charge for publication and/or display in media related to the competition as well as for marketing purposes by the City of Al Ain both inside and outside the UAE. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to amateur and professional photographers and videographers. Photographs and videos must be taken in Al Ain with an accurate description of the location. |
| Finish | 16 March 2014 |
| Entry fee | Free |
FinishedThe photographs you submit must be taken within Al Ain.
Categories:
- Personalities and Cultural Icons – This category focuses on capturing the personalities of Al Ain from various age groups, and how they interact with the scenery of the magical city.
- Sustainability – In this category the photographs should be all about the projects or initiatives that are related to environmental sustainability and the conservation of natural resources. Al Ain City Municipality is an active deliverer of such projects as well as other initiatives in the city of Al Ain.
- Lifestyle – The city of Al Ain offers a unique lifestyle. It is peaceful and humble in a manner that befits the traditions of local lifestyle. It is also diverse and integrates many nationalities and cultures with their own patterns to life. This category provides the opportunity to represent that variety and even the contrasting lifestyles of the diverse individuals living in the city.
Prizes:
- 1st Place – AED 50,000
- 2nd Place – AED 30,000
- 3rd Place – AED 20,000
- 4th Place – AED 15,000
- 5th Place – AED 10,000
You can submit up to 5 photographs online via the website. Should you win you will need to attend the Award’s ceremony to collect your prize. The ceremony is expected to be held on April 2nd 2014 and will be hosted in Al Ain.
Image requirements: file size between 3mb and 15mb; 300 dpi; JPG format.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Frequently asked questions — Free photography contests
Who can enter free photography contests?
Most free contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of experience level or equipment. Many explicitly encourage students, hobbyists, and emerging creators—always verify age requirements or thematic restrictions on the official contest page.
Are free photography contests really free?
Yes—entry is $0 across the board. Some contests offer optional paid perks like expedited feedback or printed certificates, but submission, judging, and basic participation remain completely free. Fee status is confirmed in the Quick Facts section on each PhotoCompete listing.
What prizes do free photography contests offer?
Prizes vary widely: cash awards range $100–$5,000, while non-monetary rewards include online features, publication credits, mentorship sessions, exhibition inclusion, or gear donations. Even without cash, free contests offer valuable exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.
How do I choose which free contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose theme or mission aligns with your work. Review past winners to gauge style preferences, confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), and read rights clauses carefully—even free contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.