Sana Bagersh | BrandMoxie

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – In recognition of the UAE’s rich tradition of oral storytelling and poetry, the capital will host the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival on March 19, which will bring together some of the world’s leading poets, such as well-known Americans, Patricia Smith, Kane Smego and G Yamazawa, to participate in a rich and multi-cultural programme alongside recognized Emirati and regional poets.

The event will be the Middle East’s first-ever festival dedicated solely to spoken and written poetic verse and will feature an exciting blend of workshops, open mics, slams, and competitions followed by the grand finale of performances that will showcase the talent of leading Arab and Western poets.

Founded by Rooftop Rhythms and BrandMoxie, The Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival is being hosted by the event’s patron, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, with support from the US Embassy of Abu Dhabi and Fatima bintHazza Cultural Foundation.

Award-winning poet, Dorian “Paul D” Rogers, is the founder of Rooftop Rhythms, a well-known platform for nurturing poetry in the UAE. He shared the vision for the event. “Nothing captures the human experience and inspires the soul quite like poetry – it is a legacy for this great country. For us, holding the Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival here is a way of bringing poetry to its very source.”

Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie added, “We’re excited to be working with Rooftop Rhythms, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and our partners to celebrate the culture and tradition of the spoken word. We are all huge believers in community engagement and in nurturing creativity, and, with this, we’ll be reaching out to schools, universities, and community groups to make it an inclusive affair.”

The festival’s headliner is Patricia Smith, National Book Award finalist and three-time National Poetry Slam champion, who will be accompanied by fellow Americans, Kane Smego, and G Yamazawa. Home-grown local talent will also have a chance to shine, performing at the evening gala, as well as taking part in the daytime workshops, open mic events in English, French, and Arabic, and a poetry slam competition. The festival will provide free, writing and performance workshops, lectures, as well as a writing competition. This cultural celebration will be inclusive to all ages, attracting the participation of schools and universities, all the while providing positive, family-friendly entertainment.

Eisa Al Raeesi, Head of Student Affairs at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said, “Our university is committed to making Abu Dhabi a hub for cultural diversification as it is mentioned in the university’s moto, ‘A bridge between civilizations’. It is an honor to work hand-in-hand with our partners to realize this.

Jeremy Jewett, Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy of Abu Dhabi added, “The Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival will be a fun cross-cultural celebration. There’s so much in poetry that links different people together no matter the language. We love to help support programmes that bring unique American artists and experts over to engage directly with locals. I’m really excited about the schedule that BrandMoxie and Rooftop Rhythms have put together and the American poets that plan to come to Abu Dhabi.”

March 10, 2015

The Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival to be Launched in March

Event is a Regional First as it Celebrates International and Arabic poetry

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 10, 2015 – In recognition of the UAE’s rich tradition of oral storytelling and poetry, the capital will host the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival on March 19, which will bring together some of the world’s leading poets, such as well-known Americans, Patricia Smith, Kane Smego and G Yamazawa, to participate in a rich and multi-cultural programme alongside recognized Emirati and regional poets.

To find out more about the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival and schedule of events, visit abudhabipoetryfestival.com

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Media Contact: Neil Bie. Tel 02-4918624 events@oquezo.com

About BrandMoxie:
BrandMoxie is a leading advertising and marketing agency that provides integrated marketing services including advertising, PR, strategy, research, publishing and production services. Established in 2004, BrandMoxie also runs its own CSR platforms. This includes Tamakkan, an initiative aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation, and the Dream Players, a programme aimed at nurturing creativity and the performing arts. BrandMoxie is also the publisher of Tempo magazine, a publication that focuses on creativity, innovation and social enterprise, and its online site Tempoplanet.com. For more information, visit: brandmoxie.com

About Rooftop Rhythms:
Started in 2012, Rooftop Rhythms is a cultural entertainment entity comprised of over 30 members that specialize in performance art. Rooftop Rhythms has been featured in regional print, Fox TV, on CNN’s Inside the Middle East, and has quickly cemented itself as the Middle East’s biggest poetry open mic night. Rooftop Rhythms also has highly popular live music events such as Abu Dhabi Soul and 50 Shades of Blues. Over the past three years, over 7000 people have attended Rooftop Rhythms’ events. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/groups/rooftoprhythms

About Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi:
Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University was established in May 2006, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Paris-Sorbonne University. Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers world-class degrees, both in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, following the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and also accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is devoted to Abu Dhabi’s vision of creating a cultural and scientific hub, and is an agent to realize this 2030 vision by delivering the future Emirati and international workforce and contributing to support the UAE’s economic diversification. For more information, visit sorbonne.ae/.

About Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation:
Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan to promote intellectual, creative and cultural endeavors and support cultural interaction that empowers people. The foundation aims to enrich the cultural scene in Abu Dhabi and the UAE in particular and the region in general through organizing open to the public colloquia and seminars, exploring further means of art and music, introducing more awards for illustration and art, and collaborating on a local and international level with similar entities, while keeping children literature and education at its very heart. For more information, visit www.fatimabinthazzafoundation.com

Press Contact:
Neil Bie
BrandMoxie
twofour54, Park Rotana Complex #307 Sheikh Zayed Rd (Salaam St.), Abu Dhabi, UAE
02-4918624
abudhabipoetryfestival.com/

February 24, 2015

Tamakkan Paves The Way For Entrepreneurial Success

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/tamakkan-paves-the-way-for-entrepreneurial-success-pr-556369.html

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Tamakkan successfully held its second seminar session of 2015 entitled: “The Path to Successful Entrepreneurship” wherein all attendees ranging from startups to big time CEOs were given helpful insights on the latest trends regarding the business scene within the United Arab Emirates. The seminar also focused on success stories of entrepreneurs in the country.

Tamakkan is a knowledge-sharing platform established by BrandMoxie, a leading advertising agency in the UAE. The initiative operates under the patronage of Fatima bintHazza Cultural Foundation (FHCB) and this event was supported by Pinnacle and Aldar.

“The path to entrepreneurship is rife with many roadblocks. However, a versatile entrepreneur can learn to navigate difficulties and to convert challenge to opportunity. We hope Tamakkan helps SMEs to do that.” said Founder of Tamakkan and CEO of BrandMoxie Sana Bagersh.

The event kicked off with Khalid Al Ameri, Emirati columnist and coach who shared anecdotes his own entrepreneurship journey.

“Entrepreneurship is not about the money – it’s about living my life by my own terms.” said Al Ameri who’s also a motivational speaker known for his aim to teach in the UAE public educations system for a year without pay.

Dr. Constance Van Horne and Dr. Victor Huang spoke about their research on the Entrepreneurial Framework of the UAE. They discussed the current economic state for startups and shed light on the entrepreneur mindset not just within the UAE but also around the world.

“You cannot use the static perspective – you have to think about the evolving nature of the business environment.” said Dr. Huang. Dr. Van Horne explained: “You have to adapt because customers change. Our needs change. Our demands change and new competitors cover the market.”

Tamakkan also featured three entrepreneurs who are making waves in Abu Dhabi – Founder and CEO of Mom’s Guide Abu Dhabi Esraa Rothman explained how she was able to start Mom’s Guide both without a solid plan and without paying a single dirham. “We’re only two and half years old. Did we pay to boost our posts in Facebook? No. This is organic growth. We have really high engagement because it’s natural and organic growth.” said Rothman.

Grafika Boutique and Seen owner Sumayyah Al Suwaidi told the story of how she was rejected by one well known fashion event in Dubai which led her to be inspired to launch the Abu Dhabi Fashion Days. “After having my store for 10 years, with all of the database of designers that I have, I did Abu Dhabi Fashion Days. I did it in March last year, did it November which was double the size of March and we’re doing it again in June which will be double the size of November.” said Al Suwaidi.

Co-Founder of Gulf Elite Mag Mohamed Amine Belarbi shared his entrepreneurial journey on the lessons he learned and is still learning to this day to the audience. “I had a lot of failures throughout these past whole years but in fact I feel that I will learn much more from these failures rather than from all of my successes combined.” Belarbi explained.

February 12, 2015

Louis Berger, AmCham Abu Dhabi host “WOMEN ACHIEVE” event

http://louisberger.com/news/louis-berger-amcham-abu-dhabi-host-%E2%80%9Cwomen-achieve%E2%80%9D-event
ABU DHABI, UAE — Louis Berger welcomed a diverse group of businesswomen and men to discuss career management best practices and personal experiences at the WOMEN ACHIEVE “Managing Your Career” event last week, under the banner of AmCham Abu Dhabi’s WOMEN ACHIEVE Initiative. The event was jointly hosted by Louis Berger’s Women at Louis Berger Committee and AmCham Abu Dhabi’s Women in Business Committee, who created the WOMEN ACHIEVE Initiative to support women’s advancement into positions of higher responsibility and leadership.
Featuring leaders in planning, construction management, brand management and business operations, event panelists shared opportunities, challenges and decisions made throughout their career as experience-based examples of how organizations can better support leadership development across gender lines.
The panel was moderated by Sofia Berger, vice president of Latin America and the Caribbean for Louis Berger, and featured business executives and women managing some of the largest programs currently underway in the region.
• Kylie Bladen, project controls manager on the Doha Metro program for Louis Berger
• Virginia Borkoski, director on the Doha Metro program for Louis Berger
• Kathy Cusack, head of city design, sustainable planning and approvals for Masdar City
• Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie and Chair of AmCham Abu Dhabi’s Women in Business Committee
• Thomas Topolski, Louis Berger executive vice president and managing director for the Middle East and North Africa, who also served as the executive sponsor for the event
Louis Berger, an AmCham Abu Dhabi member, hosted and sponsored the “WOMEN ACHIEVE” event as part of its Women at Louis Berger employee-led initiative, established to help women achieve their highest potential and contribute to the firm’s overall success. The initiative provides an open forum and support system through which all the firm’s employees can advance their careers.
“Identifying and retaining top talent is difficult, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council region,” said D. James Stamatis, International president at Louis Berger, who provided the panel introduction. “Employers have a clear business case for supporting the development, acknowledgement and growth of leaders across gender lines. This is why Louis Berger has prioritized resources for the Women at Louis Berger initiative internally and for our partnership with AmCham’s Women in Business Committee.”
This is the third Women at Louis Berger Speakers’ Series event the company has organized, following the first in Morristown, New Jersey, and a second in Bucharest, Romania.

January 27, 2015

Tamakkan Ushers the New Year with Entrepreneurial Inspiration

http://www.pr.com/press-release/602637

Tamakkan, a knowledge-sharing platform established by BrandMoxie, a leading advertising agency in the UAE operates under the patronage of Fatima bintHazza Cultural Foundation (FHCB), and is supported by Aldar and AmCham Abu Dhabi.

Empowerment coach Randa Al Zein started the seminar with a presentation that “Resolutions Don’t Work, Commitments to Yourself Do!” in which she debunked prevailing assumptions about resolutions and goal keeping.

“Knowing what you want to do in life is not enough. You have to have a strong reason – one that resonates with you emotionally. That is the only way that you will move forward and take real action towards achieving your goals,” said Al Zein, who is founder of the Be You International Educational Consultancy. “Few are aware of this and that is why the old fashioned resolutions does not work.”

Jules Lewis, a motivational speaker specializing in leadership, adventure and wellness, outlined “The Four Keys to Peak Performance How to THINK, EAT, MOVE, and SLEEP like a Winner.”

“The ability to manage your personal energy is the key to success in business, sports and life. You can do this through tips, tools and strategies that can be effective for enhancing peak performance,” said the founder of Jules Lewis Consulting.

Tamakkan’s monthly seminars offer guidance to entrepreneurs on topics ranging from financing, marketing and product development, all the way to international business expansion, integrating new technologies and the importance of maintaining health and balance.

“Each January Tamakkan always focuses on kicking-off the year to a terrific start, and getting excited entrepreneurs focused on goal-setting, innovating and also on achieving a healthy balance between work and family,” said Sana Bagersh, Founder of Tamakkan, and CEO of BrandMoxie.

Maysoon Barber, Business Director at Fatima bintHazza Cultural Foundation, added, “At the foundation, we believe that spiritual and personal well-being go hand-in-hand with sustained entrepreneurial performance and commercial success. Entrepreneurs thrive in a community such as Tamakkan that not only covers business matters, but also acknowledges fears, hopes and aspirations.”

At the seminar, Tamakkan also shared the stories of inspiring initiatives kicking off in 2015. Emirati inspirational coach Omar Al Busaidy spoke about the launch of his book “Just Read It,” which is a collection of insights about emotional and social intelligence. Award winning poet Dorian Rogers introduced “The Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival,” an event organized by his Rooftop Rhythms poetry platform together with BrandMoxie. In addition wellness coach Jody Ballard shared the inspiring challenge she is leading called the Women’s Heritage Walk, which is a six-day desert trek from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi that celebrates heritage and women’s achievement.

January 25, 2015

SMEs urged to set high goals in 2015

Tamakkan ushers in New Year with inspiration

Abu Dhabi — Tamakkan launched its 2015 seminar season with a bold challenge to entrepreneurs to become inspired, to plan intelligently, and to set goals higher this year. The entrepreneurship and innovation platform, now in its sixth year, focused on inspirational guidance and success stories, to motivate business owners towards greater success.

Tamakkan, a knowledge-sharing platform established by BrandMoxie, a leading advertising agency in the UAE operates under the patronage of Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation (FHCB), and is supported by Aldar and AmCham Abu Dhabi.

Empowerment coach Randa Al Zein started the seminar with a presentation that “Resolutions don’t work, commitments to yourself do!” in which she debunked prevailing assumptions about resolutions and goal keeping.

“Knowing what you want to do in life is not enough. You have to have a strong reason — one that resonates with you emotionally. That is the only way that you will move forward and take real action towards achieving your goals,” said Al Zein, who is founder of the Be You International Educational Consultancy.

Jules Lewis, a motivational speaker specializing in leadership, adventure and wellness, outlined: “The four keys to peak performance how to think, eat, move and sleep like a winner”.

Maysoon Barber, business director at Fatima bin Hazza Cultural Foundation, added: “At the foundation, we believe that spiritual and personal well-being go hand-in-hand with sustained entrepreneurial performance and commercial success. Entrepreneurs thrive in a community such as Tamakkan that not only covers business matters, but also acknowledges fears, hopes and aspirations.”

Link: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/20150124/ARTICLE/301249884/1037

November 30, 2014

Business of the Arts Forum at Tamakkan

http://www.pr.com/press-release/594578

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, November 30, 2014 –(PR.com)– Forum Discusses Business of the Arts in the Abu Dhabi.

Transforming Passion in Art, Film and Theatre into a Business.

A vibrant discussion on the opportunities available in the UAE to professionals in the creative and performing arts explored also how the industry can leverage the growing talent that exists in the country at a seminar organized by Tamakkan.

Tamakkan, a leading entrepreneurship and innovation platform, presented a seminar focused on the art and media business and invited speakers from twofour54, Cleveland Clinic, Fatima BintHazza Foundation, and practicing artists from the frontline of art, music and theatre, to a candid discussion about opportunities and challenges in the industry.

Dr Iva Fattorini, Chair of Global Arts & Medicine Institute, Executive Board Office at Cleveland Clinic, provided the corporate patronage perspective on the arts, and the important and pioneering role Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi, and in the US play in healthcare.

“Cleveland Clinic is an example of a hospital with audacious and visionary leaders who embrace the concept of arts and medicine and carry a strong belief that art can re-humanize medicine by bringing new energy to patients and their caregivers,” she said.

“The concepts of love and care don’t come from business plans; they come from the heart, and they can awaken a hospital’s soul. In medicine, decisions are based on evidence. Many studies conducted around integration of arts and medicine have demonstrated improvements in health outcomes, quality of life and improved hospital experience,” DrFattorini added.

Emmy Nominated photographer and cinematographer, BenoSaradzic showed his latest film called “Beyond,” a mesmerizing visual spectacle of UAE landmarks and talked about the challenges he faces as an artist.

Saradzic said he was always motivated by a need to do something out of the ordinary. “Making it in this business is tough, and you have to believe in yourself. Getting business is not easy. For me I switched from being a client to becoming a producer and I have never since compromised on my artistic vision.” Saradic started working with the BBC and other organizations after his groundbreaking time-lapse film called Abu Dhabi 2011. His latest film, Borders, garnered him an Emmy nomination and recognition as a master of the artform.

MirjanaDelaey provided another perspective of the industry in her ambitious photography capture “360 Project.” DeLaey explained how her team used photography drones above Abu Dhabi to capture sweeping views of the city that can be explored interactively via the web. She spoke about the technical and regulatory hurdles that her team overcame. She revealed that financial gains may come at some point from the project, but that the main motivator behind the initiative has been the artistic achievement and its potential for future applications.

Maysoon Barber, Business Director of Fatima BintHazza Foundation, stressed the need for a greater focus on teaching the young the love of reading, and the creative arts. She also spoke about the foundation’s vision and its library of books and applications that are designed to nurture intellectual growth, literacy and artistic expression.

Khalid Khouri, Head of Ibtikar Commercial at twofour54, provided insight on the creative platforms provided by twofour54 to help in the development of film and other content. “twofour54 has helped film makers work on projects, and to collaborate with others. We have developed facilities that can help creatives with their projects, and they are free to use.”

As part of the seminar’s creative theme Tamakkan also featured a performance art segment entitled “Shoes” by thespian and school teacher Charlis “Charlie” Cunningham and Michelle “True” Francois, who engaged the audience in light hearted but socially incisive monologues about personal drive, inequality and race relations.

Sana Bagersh, Founder of Tamakkan and CEO of BrandMoxie reiterated the importance of art and creative endeavors in society. “Initiatives such as twofour54, programmes such as Fatima bintHazza foundation, and corporate art patrons such as Cleveland Clinic, help create the ecosystems that are needed to develop artistic endeavors. These are exciting times for artists.” She also thanked Tamakkan’s patron Fatima BintHazza Foundation, and its supporters Aldar and twofour54.

November 28, 2014

Business of the Arts Forum at Tamakkan

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/business-of-the-arts-forum-at-tamakkan-pr-549089.html

Abu Dhabi, UAE – A vibrant discussion on the opportunities available in the UAE to professionals in the creative and performing arts explored also how the industry can leverage the growing talent that exists in the country at a seminar organized by Tamakkan.

MirjanaDelaey provided another perspective of the industry in her ambitious photography capture “360 Project”. DeLaey explained how her team used photography drones above Abu Dhabi to capture sweeping views of the city that can be explored interactively via the web. She spoke about the technical and regulatory hurdles that her team overcame. She revealed that financial gains may come at some point from the project, but that the main motivator behind the initiative has been the artistic achievement and its potential for future applications.

As part of the seminar’s creative theme Tamakkan also featured a performance art segment entitled ‘Shoes’ by thespian and school teacher Charlis “Charlie” Cunningham and Michelle “True” Francois, who engaged the audience in light hearted but socially incisive monologues about personal drive, inequality and race relations.

July 25, 2013

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR DISCOVER UAE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 2013 PHOTOGRAPH “ENDURANCE” CAPTURING DUBAI MARATHON WINS TOP SPOT

Posted on July 25, 2013

Grand prize winning photograph ‘ENDURANCE’ by Christopher Medenilla

Abu Dhabi, UAE – July 25, 2013 – The winners of the first “Discover UAE digital photography contest 2013” were announced today, with Dubai based Filipino photographer Christopher Medenilla winning the grand prize for his photograph titled Endurance, that creatively captures a moment in a marathon race.

The competition, organized by BrandMoxie and Abu Dhabi Photographers, was launched in May in three categories: Nature, People and UAE Architecture. Over 600 hundred entries were received, from five emirates, and representing 30 nationalities.

The first prize winners were awarded at the ceremony were: Spencer Guiao, from India, who won in the Live/People category for his photograph titled ‘The Gaze;’ Sri Lankan photographer Varuna Liyanage who won the first prize award in the Nature category for his photograph “Arabian Icon;” and Filipino Scott Lorenzo whose photo “The Journey” won him in the UAE architecture category.

Beno Saradzic, an award-winning photographer and one of the jurors, said: “It was a difficult decision for all of us three judges to select one grand prize winner as all the top four photos were excellent and each deserved recognition in its own right. However we selected Endurance because the angle was atypical, and the photograph managed to capture movement, tradition and diversity.”

Juror Darren Rycroft added: “Each of the judges had their own favourites – my personal one from the top four was The Gaze, because of the intensity of the eyes, the composition of the image and the quality of finishing. We tallied all our votes to come up with the final winners.”

Medenilla, who took the winning photograph Endurance in Dubai, took the photograph during a marathon entitled “Endurance,” to capture people of different nationalities enjoying the competition as well as the camaraderie.

The grand prize winner received a Nikon D3100 camera while the top 20 entrants received certificates of appreciation and gifts.

Shahid Saeed, founder of Abu Dhabi Photographers said: “We were astounded by the level of interest, the number of entries and the quality of the submissions. Some of the photographers were from our group, but the majority came from other emirates. I believe the categories were appealing, and we believe very appropriate in celebrating the rich culture of the UAE.

Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie and patron of the Abu Dhabi Photographers. “BrandMoxie is proud to organize this event and offer patronage to the Abu Dhabi Photographers. This group is extremely active, and clearly has outstanding talents who need to be recognized and celebrated. We hope to cement this in the UAE’s calendar of events, and look forward to organizing it on a yearly basis.”

About Abu Dhabi Photographers
This is a group established in 2009 in Abu Dhabi that has a membership of over 500 photographers who meet regularly to share experiences and participate in photography challenges.

About BrandMoxie
This is a leading advertising and marketing agency based in Abu Dhabi that offers design, branding, PR, event management and publishing services. BrandMoxie is an active supporter of community initiatives and runs its own CSR programmes including Tamakkan, The Planetarians and The Dream Players.

Link: http://www.abnewswire.com/pressreleases/winners-announced-for-discover-uae-digital-photography-contest-2013-photograph-endurance-capturing-dubai-marathon-wins-top-spot_3018.html

July 25, 2013

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR DISCOVER UAE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 2013 PHOTOGRAPH “ENDURANCE” CAPTURING DUBAI MARATHON WINS TOP SPOT

http://www.abnewswire.com/pressreleases/winners-announced-for-discover-uae-digital-photography-contest-2013-photograph-endurance-capturing-dubai-marathon-wins-top-spot_3018.html

The winners of the first “Discover UAE digital photography contest 2013” were announced today, with Dubai based Filipino photographer Christopher Medenilla winning the grand prize for his photograph titled Endurance, that creatively captures a moment in a marathon race.
The competition, organized by BrandMoxie and Abu Dhabi Photographers, was launched in May in three categories: Nature, People and UAE Architecture. Over 600 hundred entries were received, from five emirates, and representing 30 nationalities.
The first prize winners were awarded at the ceremony were: Spencer Guiao, from India, who won in the Live/People category for his photograph titled ‘The Gaze;’ Sri Lankan photographer VarunaLiyanage who won the first prize award in the Nature category for his photograph “Arabian Icon;” and Filipino Scott Lorenzo whose photo “The Journey” won him in the UAE architecture category.
BenoSaradzic, an award-winning photographer and one of the jurors, said: “It was a difficult decision for all of us three judges to select one grand prize winner as all the top four photos were excellent and each deserved recognition in its own right. However we selected Endurance because the angle was atypical, and the photograph managed to capture movement, tradition and diversity.”
Juror Darren Rycroft added: “Each of the judges had their own favourites – my personal one from the top four was The Gaze, because of the intensity of the eyes, the composition of the image and the quality of finishing. We tallied all our votes to come up with the final winners.”
Medenilla, who took the winning photograph Endurance in Dubai, took the photograph during a marathon entitled “Endurance,” to capture people of different nationalities enjoying the competition as well as the camaraderie.
The grand prize winner received a Nikon D3100 camera while the top 20 entrants received certificates of appreciation and gifts.
Shahid Saeed, founder of Abu Dhabi Photographers said: “We were astounded by the level of interest, the number of entries and the quality of the submissions. Some of the photographers were from our group, but the majority came from other emirates. I believe the categories were appealing, and we believe very appropriate in celebrating the rich culture of the UAE.
Sana Bagersh, CEO of BrandMoxie and patron of the Abu Dhabi Photographers. “BrandMoxie is proud to organize this event and offer patronage to the Abu Dhabi Photographers. This group is extremely active, and clearly has outstanding talents who need to be recognized and celebrated. We hope to cement this in the UAE’s calendar of events, and look forward to organizing it on a yearly basis.”