In partnership with Almarai for the fourth year running, the 6^th edition of National Geographic Abu DhabiPhotographyCompetition, Moments Awards 2016, was announced today.

Following the tremendous success of the preceding editions, which have seen entries snowball from 13,000 in 2014 to 21,000 in 2015, this year's edition anticipates a much larger participation. The competition now accepting photography from mobile cameras is expected to skyrocket submission numbers.

Participants will be encouraged to submit their best photos, shot through both traditional and innovative aspects of photography. In keeping with the Moments theme, this year's competition will focus on the region's culture and lifestyle,by attempting to capture the essence and appreciation of food. From purchasing the produce in the local markets to the preparing and dining traditions, this year's competition celebrates everyday lifethroughout the greater Middle East.

Following the announcement, Abdul Hadi Al Sheikh, Executive Director of  Television at Abu Dhabi Media, said, "Abu Dhabi Media continues its commitments towards various segments of society by encouraging participation and contribution of intrinsic creative expression, especially among the youth."

"The launch of the sixth round of the contest, 'National Geographic Moments of Photography 2016', comes as an extension of the wide success that we were able to achieve in last year's competition, 'Arab Cities ... The City Through Your Eyes.

The quality of works that were submitted during previous editions of the competition contributed to strengthening support for our efforts to nurture Arab talent, and to explore the creative potential of different aspects of society."

Al Sheikh continued: "The 'Moments' competition has steadily become the most outstanding event for showcasing the technical skill and artistic potential of the region. Through such competitions, National Geographic Abu Dhabi expounds its creativity for amateur and professional photographers alike."

HussamAbdulqader, head of communications and PR, Almarai, said: "Partnering with National Geographic Abu Dhabi in this platform for talent, is symbolic of our vision and commitment that we continue to hold dear. Cultivationof Arab talent from our region remains a key priority for us, and we have seen the results through the success of this unique and expressive platform. Photography is a method of expression that brings us together and reminds us that we are a vibrant community that strives for artistic excellence."

Sanjay Raina, General Manager of Fox Networks Group for the Middle East and North Africa, added: "We view our partnership with Almarainot just as strategic, but the joining of minds and hearts. We are both keen on bringing out the immense pool of talent in the region.The extraordinary success of our Moments Awards platformhas cemented us in the communities' fabric, and has brought it's talents to the fore. We both share the same vision of developing talent from our region and displaying it to the region and beyond, talents that are consistently growing and that are eager to present their best work, and has become inherent to our core values."

The competition will run from 17^thof April to6thofJune 2016, and all entries will be submitted to a panel of distinguished judges. This year's first prize will be an all-expenses-paid, National Geographic photography expedition to Japan, along with a $7,500 photography hamper. The second and third prizes will consist of $5,000 and $2,500 photography hampers..