The 40 winners of the “Colors of Saudi Arabia Photo Contest 2013” have been selected, said Hamad Al-Sheikh, acting vice president for marketing and events at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

It took the jury committee four days of continuous work to finalize the 10 winners in each category.

Out of the 5,000 entries that were received, the winning shots will be displayed at the upcoming SCTA’s annual tourism forum and fair in December, said Al-Sheikh.

The winners will receive a total cash prize amounting to SR550,000 to be distributed at a grand ceremony during the fair.

“The categories of the contest, which was open for photographers residing in Saudi Arabia (citizens and non-citizens), includes photos taken in the Kingdom of tourists’ experience, nature, folklore, antiquities and heritage,” said Al-Sheikh.

The contest is aimed at encouraging professional and creative photographers to highlight the country’s potential, he said, adding that the contest was meant to promote the SCTA’s role in developing domestic tourism and Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity.

The committee, which includes an international jury, has taken note of the world-class images taken by Saudi participants, making them strong competitors on a regional and international level.

“The extent of participation was very surprising and encouraging,” said Abdullah Al-Dibeikhi, chairman of the competition committee at SCTA.

Last year’s contest drew massive participation on the part of Saudi photographers. The SCTA makes use of this photography initiative in promoting local tourism, as it is considered to be the most effective means of disseminating and developing tourism and document culture and heritage.