Portrait of Hormozgan women’s attire wins Gold at UAE’s Xposure
Hormozgan photographer Amir Minabian won a gold medal in the Culture of Nations category at Xposure International Photography Awards 2026 in the United Arab Emirates, marking his third top prize at the globally recognized event after previous victories in 2023 and 2025.
Minabian's award-winning image, centered on the traditional attire of women from Iran's southern Hormozgan Province, drew international acclaim for its vivid portrayal of the cultural heritage of the Persian Gulf region. The photograph brought the elegance, authenticity, and enduring traditions of southern Iran to a global audience, IRNA reported.
“In creating this work, I sought to blend storytelling, documentary practice, and aesthetic reflection,” Minabian said. “The image remains faithful to its cultural roots while speaking the universal language of contemporary art.”
He described the photograph as a reflection of the artistry, culture, and aesthetic sensibilities woven into the everyday lives of Hormozgan residents.
Held annually in the UAE, Xposure has evolved into one of the world's leading photography platforms, combining exhibitions, competitions, educational programs, and professional networking. The event regularly attracts internationally renowned photographers, including Pulitzer Prize winners and contributors to National Geographic.
Born in Bandar Abbas, Minabian is a photographer, documentary filmmaker, and university lecturer whose career spans more than two decades. His work, known for combining documentary precision with artistic sensitivity, has been exhibited in more than 190 exhibitions and festivals across Iran, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.
A graduate in graphic design, he has also spent over a decade teaching photography, graphic arts, and handicrafts at universities in Hormozgan Province, helping cultivate a new generation of Iranian artists.