K9 Friends, one of the UAE’s longest-running dog shelters, has announced the launch of its inaugural Calendar Photography Competition, inviting professional and semi-professional photographers to help create its 2026 non-profit calendar.
The initiative will pair selected UAE-based photographers with rescue dogs from the shelter, tasking them with capturing portraits inspired by the theme ‘Treat Yourself.‘ From spa days and road trips to guilty pleasures and cosy nights in, the brief aims to celebrate moments of joy and indulgence told through the eyes of a rescue pup.
For decades, the K9 Friends calendar has been a much-loved fixture among animal lovers in the UAE, raising vital funds to care for abandoned and stray dogs. This year, the charity is reimagining the calendar to raise awareness and boost adoptions.
Winning images will feature in the 2026 calendar, with photographers credited in the campaign. A grand prize will be awarded to the overall winner, while the public will vote for a ‘Community Favourite’ via social media. A launch event and exhibition later this year will showcase the images and give the public a chance to meet the canine stars.
‘This is more than a photography challenge,’ said Siddhi Mulaokar, spokesperson and volunteer at K9 Friends. ‘It’s a way for artists and our community to give back, tell heartfelt stories and help rescue dogs find their forever spotlight — and maybe even their forever home.’
K9 Friends Competition Details
The competition is open to UAE-based professional and semi-professional photographers aged 21 and over. Entries close on 12 September 2025.
Interested participants can email officemanager@k9friends.com and omar@iwantanidea.com with the subject line ‘Calendar Photography Competition‘ to receive the full brief.
Participants must be able to visit the K9 Friends shelter and agree to follow all safety and dog-handling guidelines outlined by K9 Friends.
Founded in 1989, K9 Friends rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes stray and abandoned dogs across the UAE, relying on volunteers and public support to continue its work.
