The winning photo by Donell Gumiran. SUPPLIED

A Filipino expatriate in the UAE has clinched a prestigious title at the Sony World Photography Awards 2025, emerging as the UAE National Award winner in a competition that saw over 419,000 entries from more than 200 countries. Donell Gumiran, a renowned photographer whose work has been published in National Geographic España, Forbes, BBC News, and Vogue, was recognized for his striking image titled "A Timeless Tradition". The winning photograph, entered in the Lifestyle category, portrays an Emirati woman standing by the Corniche seaside in Abu Dhabi, dressed in traditional attire, with an old fisherman’s boat in the foreground. The serene moment reflects the heritage and cultural resilience of the UAE. Gumiran, who has exhibited his work globally, expressed his gratitude for the win: “I am truly grateful to be chosen as the UAE National Award winner for the Sony World Photography Awards 2025. Photography allows me to tell stories and capture moments that matter. ‘A Timeless Tradition’ is special to me because it reflects the rich culture and heritage of the UAE. I’m thankful to Sony and the World Photography Organisation for giving photographers like me a chance to share our work with the world.” The National & Regional Awards programme, initiated by Sony and Creo in collaboration with the World Photography Organisation, aims to support local photographic communities worldwide, with 56 countries participating in this year’s event. As a National Award winner, Gumiran receives Sony digital imaging equipment and will have his work displayed in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book. The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open, and Professional competitions will be announced on April 16, with an exhibition running from April 17 to May 5 at Somerset House in London. For more details on upcoming announcements and winners, visit worldphoto.org. ICA/Expat Media
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