Majalis Abu Dhabi at the Citizens and Community Affairs Office of the Presidential Court, in collaboration with Creative Lab, part of Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi (CMA), has announced the winners of the Family in Frame Award, a nationwide photography competition launched as part of the UAE Year of Family and the wider Family in Frame initiative. The award reinforces the role of photography as a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and preserving the values and traditions that connect generations across the UAE.
The award drew nearly 1,300 submissions from participants across the UAE. Following a comprehensive review process, 45 photographs were shortlisted before the winning entries were selected by a distinguished judging panel comprising leading voices in photography, media and visual storytelling.
Entries captured authentic family moments that reflected the strength, warmth and connection of family life, highlighting belonging, shared experiences and intergenerational bonds, while reinforcing the role of family in strengthening shared values, cultural continuity and community cohesion.
The winners were recognised during an awards presentation held at Al Shamkha Majlis in Abu Dhabi. Dheyab Al Nuaimi was awarded first place for a photograph capturing a multi-generational family gathering rooted in Emirati traditions. Through a simple everyday moment, the image reflects how family connections, cultural practices and shared experiences continue to bring generations together.
Second place was awarded to Hamada Abdullah for a black-and-white portrait capturing the traditional Arabic nose greeting between an older man and a young boy. The photograph highlights a meaningful expression of affection, respect and intergenerational connection.
Ana Backhaus received third place for a photograph showing older hands guiding a child through the process of preparing dough. The image captures the passing of knowledge, traditions and care from one generation to the next through a simple family moment.
Salwa Al Hadhrami, Head of Creative Content and Creative Community Projects at CMA, said: “The enthusiastic response to the Family in Frame Award reflects the deep connection people have with the values of family, belonging and shared experience. Through this collaboration with Majalis Abu Dhabi, we are proud to provide a platform for photographers, emerging creatives and community members of all ages to contribute to a national moment through visual storytelling. The winning submissions beautifully capture 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.”
The three winning submissions were selected by a distinguished judging panel bringing together leading voices in photography, media and visual storytelling, with a balance of international perspective and regional expertise. The panel included renowned British photographer Ranald Mackechnie as final judge, alongside Emirati photographer and strategic advisor Khalid Alhashimi, Emirati sports photographer and Sony Middle East ambassador Hind Al Raeesi, portrait and landscape photographer Abdullah Al Braiki, and portrait photographer Mohamed Somji. Together, the panel evaluated submissions based on creativity, relevance and quality, selecting works that captured the essence of family life and the values of connection, belonging and shared experience.
Launched in March 2026, the Family in Frame Award formed part of Creative Lab and CMA’s wider Family in Frame initiative, which celebrates the role of family in shaping confidence, creativity and aspiration. The competition was open to UAE nationals and residents of all ages, inviting participants to submit one photograph aligned with the award theme and demonstrating strong visual storytelling.
The award also supports Creative Lab and CMA’s ongoing commitment to empowering content creators across the UAE by providing accessible platforms for creative participation. By encouraging individuals and families to tell their stories through photography, the initiative highlights the power of visual storytelling to celebrate unity, belonging and the everyday moments that connect communities.
Selected works will be showcased during Eid Al Etihad 2026 as part of a curated exhibition celebrating creative expression and community participation. An accompanying video spotlighting the winners and their award presentation will be released across CMA and Majalis Abu Dhabi channels.
