The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has launched an international photography competition offering Dh9,000 in prize money to photographers from around the world, marking a significant expansion of the UAE’s cultural engagement with the global arts community.

The “Dhay” Photography Competition, which opened on October 1, invites both professional photographers and mobile phone users to capture images themed around “Reflection” at four of the UAE’s most architecturally significant mosques.

Prize structure targets global talent

The competition offers a three-tier prize structure designed to attract international participation:

• First place: Dh5,000
• Second place: Dh3,000
• Third place: Dh1,000

Unlike many photography competitions that restrict entries to professional equipment, Dhay explicitly welcomes smartphone photography.

“The Centre has allocated generous cash prizes for the top three winners, aiming to inspire artists and photographers from around the world to showcase their creativity,” officials stated in the announcement.

Four iconic venues, one unifying theme

Eligible photographs must be captured at one of four participating locations:

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Fujairah
3. Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque – Al Ain
4. Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque – Ras Al Khaimah

The inaugural edition centres on the theme of “Reflection”,  both literal and conceptual. Participants are encouraged to explore reflective surfaces including water, glass, marble, metal, and mirrors, as compositional elements that reveal the interplay between light and architectural form.

The theme offers photographers latitude for interpretation, from capturing literal mirror images in the mosques’ polished surfaces to more abstract explorations of contemplation and spiritual introspection.

Accessible entry process

The competition leverages social media for submission, requiring participants to post entries via Instagram using specific protocols:

• Tag the official account @spacesoflight
• Include the hashtag #ضي1
• Alternatively, submit through the official website at www.photo.szgmc.ae

QR codes displayed at visitor registration points at all four mosques provide direct links to submission portals.

The submission window runs through November 30, giving international photographers time to plan visits to the UAE or work with existing image archives from previous trips.

Cultural diplomacy through imagery

Beyond the competitive element, Dhay serves as a cultural engagement initiative aligned with the UAE’s broader strategy of using arts and culture as platforms for international dialogue.

“The Dhay competition continues the legacy of Spaces of Light, reaffirming the photograph’s role as one of the most direct and universal forms of communication, a universal medium that transcends borders, cultures, and languages,” organisers noted.

The initiative reflects the Centre’s positioning of the Grand Mosque as not only a religious site but a cultural institution promoting “values and safeguarding Islamic cultural heritage in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.”

What sets it apart

Several factors distinguish Dhay from the crowded field of international photography competitions:

Equipment neutrality: Explicit acceptance of smartphone photography removes barriers to entry for younger or budget-conscious photographers.

Location specificity: Rather than broad themes, the competition anchors creativity to specific architectural spaces, providing a unifying element across submissions.

Cultural context: The competition offers international photographers insight into Islamic architectural heritage while celebrating universal artistic expression.

Established platform: Building on Spaces of Light’s proven track record provides credibility and audience reach from day one.

Global reach, local impact

The competition arrives as the UAE continues positioning itself as a cultural hub connecting East and West. Photography competitions like Dhay contribute to this broader narrative while generating international media attention and tourist interest in the participating mosques.

For photographers, the competition offers multiple value propositions: prize money, portfolio-building opportunities, and engagement with architecturally significant subjects that carry both aesthetic and cultural weight.

The November deadline gives international participants ample time to arrange travel to the UAE, a strategic consideration given that entries must be photographed on-site rather than sourced from stock libraries.

Entry details

Competition: Dhay Photography Competition
Theme: Reflection
Prize pool: Dh9,000 (split across three winners)
Eligibility: Open worldwide, all skill levels
Equipment: Camera or mobile phone
Submission period: October 1 – November 30, 2025
Entry method: Instagram (@spacesoflight, #ضي1) or www.photo.szgmc.ae
Entry fee: Free

For the thousands of photographers who have already engaged with Spaces of Light over the years, Dhay represents a natural evolution. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to join a growing global community united by artistic vision and cultural curiosity.z