International Competition in the UAE 2026 with Cash Prizes of Up to $35,000

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) invites composers to enter the Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition (ADICC), a competition for original contemporary music with cash prizes of up to USD 35,000. The second edition is open to composers of all nationalities and accepts submissions from 30 September through 31 December 2026.

About the Abu Dhabi Composition Competition

ADICC accepts entries in two categories. The orchestral category is for an original composition approximately 10 minutes long. The solo instrument category is for an original composition written for piano and approximately 5 minutes long. Submitted works must be original, unpublished, uncommissioned and unperformed before submission.

The competition awards three places. The first-place winner receives USD 35,000, a world premiere performance at Abu Dhabi Festival 2028, a professional recording and an opportunity for score publication. The second-place award is USD 13,500, together with mentorship and publicity through the competition’s global network. The third-place winner receives USD 7,000 and mentorship.

Scores are reviewed by an international jury in January 2027. Finalists are scheduled to be announced on 15 March 2027, and winners on 15 May 2027. The competition’s schedule culminates in March 2028, when the winners’ works take centre stage at Abu Dhabi Festival. The winners will also be honoured at an awards ceremony attended by artists, diplomats and cultural leaders from around the world.

The laureate will be invited to Abu Dhabi, with travel and accommodation expenses fully covered by ADICC. During the visit, the laureate can attend rehearsals, be introduced at a press conference, meet the orchestra conductor and attend the awards ceremony. For more opportunities of this kind, explore competitions and awards or browse opportunities open to Arab applicants.

Who Should Apply

This competition is intended for emerging and established composers who have an original work suitable for one of the two categories. Applicants may hold any nationality, but must have been born after 31 December 1976. Previous laureates of an ADICC edition are not eligible to apply again. Applicants should be prepared to submit their work anonymously: scores, audio files and programme notes must not contain the applicant’s name or other identifying information, as submissions that do will be disqualified.

Key Highlights

• Competition organizer: Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF).
• Categories: orchestral composition and solo piano composition.
• Cash awards: USD 35,000, USD 13,500 and USD 7,000 for the first three places.
• Submission period: 30 September to 31 December 2026.
• Finalists announced: 15 March 2027; winners announced: 15 May 2027.
• Winners’ works and awards ceremony: Abu Dhabi, March 2028.

How to Apply

Applicants complete the online submission form for the second edition with biographical and contact information, then upload their original composition together with the required supporting materials and recordings. The application materials must be submitted anonymously.