The first annual photography competition in the Kingdom will be organized by Raffles Makkah Palace, in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and the Arts (SASCA).

The competition, entitled ‘Inspiring Makkah,’ aims to highlight diversity of the Holy City while supporting emerging artists.

“The competition supports emerging and professional photographers by highlighting their talent, promoting their work, providing financial awards, and creating networking opportunities with seasoned photographers from the Muslim world and Saudi Arabia,” said Khaled Yamak, group director of Communications & Business Development of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Makkah (FRHI). “Raffles Hotel and Resorts have a long tradition of supporting local arts and heritage. The competition is also a valuable opportunity to showcase the vitality and dynamism of the Holy City to the whole world,” he added.

Submission is open until June 10, and a panel of distinguished photographers and experts in the field will judge all entries. The 2013 panelists are: Photography professor at the Institute of Technical and Vocational Training Mohammed Al-Malki, photographers Suzan Iskander, Issam Knafani, Lamia Al-Rumaih and Mariam Beydoun. Criteria for evaluation include technique, creativity, composition and innovation.

“We hope to see a very broad range of entries that reflect the city’s diversity. We are looking for participants to capture the passion and intensity of the city and people’s relationship with this amazing holy place,” said Mohammed Al-Malki, award winner of aerial photography of Masjid Al-Haram and Makkah. Winners of the competition will be announced on June 30.

The winner of the competition will be awarded a cash prize of SR 10,000 as well as a complimentary ticket and two-night stay in Raffles Makkah Palace. SR 5,000 and SR 2,500 will be awarded to the photographers who come in second and third place respectively. In addition, a special ‘people’s choice’ award of SR 2,500 will be given to the image that receives the most votes on Facebook.