Oman Secures Gold at International Black and White Photography Biennale.

Jaipur: A ceremony was held in the Indian city of Jaipur today to honour countries that emerged winners in the '36th International Black and White Photography Biennale', organized every two years by the International Federation of Photographic Art-Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique (FIAP). Represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Sultanate of Oman won the gold medal at the 'country level', while photographer Hatim bin Dhahi Al Rashidi won the bronze medal at 'individual level'. According to Oman News Agency, Oman was represented in competition by photographers Muhannad Munir Al Badawi, Khalid Mohammed Al Rawahi, Salim Sultan Al Hajri, Mahmoud Darwish Al Amri, Ismail Mohammed Al Farsi, Hatim bin Dhahi Al Rashdi, Khalid Mohammed Al Maawali, Ahmed Abdullah Al Busaidi, Ahmed Mohammed Al Tawqi and Youssef Ibrahim Al Mu'aini. As many as 44 countries participated in the Biennale, including 7 Arab countries, which were Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Egypt. The jury included Argentine photographer Luis Franchi, Belgian photographer Francis Nicole, and Sri Lankan photographer Indura Bandara. Oman participated with 10 photos themed 'Majestic Journey: Camels and Companions'. The official results of the Biennale competition, announced earlier by the FIAP, showed that France won the World Cup, while the Sultanate of Oman won the gold medal. Germany won the silver medal, while Russia won the bronze medal. Six countries received honorary awards, namely Ireland, Italy, India, Spain, Bahrain, and Belgium. At the individual level, the gold medal was won by German photographer Martin Serafin, while the silver medal was won by two photographers: Irish John Sheridan and Belgian Luc Stallman. The bronze medal was bagged by three photographers: French Domenico Robin, Omani Hatim bin Dhahi Al Rashidi, and Russian Rustam Magomedov. The ceremony was held on the sidelines of the 36th Congress of the International Federation of Photographic Art, which took place from 1 to 8 November, in the presence of representatives of 68 FIAP member countries.