Xposure 2026 launches Hadara Stage, expands Stage X programming

January 28, 2026 / 12:29 PM

Sharjah24: As part of its 10th-anniversary edition, the Xposure International Photography Festival (Xposure 2026) has unveiled the new Hadara Stage and expanded programming for Stage X, strengthening the festival’s role as a global platform for dialogue through photography and film. The festival will run from 29 January to 4 February at Aljada, Sharjah.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2026 will host more than 126 talks, panel discussions and dialogues featuring internationally renowned photographers, filmmakers and industry experts. The two dedicated stages will address themes ranging from migration, freedom and trust to conservation, soft power and ethical storytelling.

Stage X highlights global human narratives

Stage X will present discussions examining photography’s role in documenting migration, preserving memory and building trust in sensitive environments. Sessions will explore ethical practices, consent and responsibility in complex and high-risk contexts.

Hadara Stage debuts cross-border conversations

Making its debut at Xposure, the Hadara Stage will spotlight the power of visual storytelling to foster empathy and cultural dialogue. Its programme includes conversations on cinema, architecture, conservation filmmaking, and investigative documentary practices.

Workshops and portfolio reviews

Xposure 2026 will also deliver 72 workshops and more than 280 portfolio review sessions, providing hands-on learning and professional feedback across a range of photographic disciplines.