Al Burda Award 2026 for Poetry, Arabic Calligraphy, and Islamic Ornamentation in the UAE
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The Ministry of Culture of the United Arab Emirates is accepting entries for the Al Burda Award 2026, one of the leading international awards and competitions celebrating Islamic arts and literary and artistic creativity inspired by the Prophet’s biography and values.
The 20th edition of the award in 2026 is held under the theme “Family: Tranquility and Affection”, inviting poets, calligraphers, artists, and creatives to submit works that express the meanings of family, affection, compassion, and human connection through poetry, Arabic calligraphy, and Islamic ornamentation.
The award aims to support artistic and literary talent, preserve and develop Islamic arts, and encourage artists to present contemporary perspectives that combine authenticity with creativity.
Award Categories
The Al Burda Award includes several main categories:
- Poetry.
- Arabic Calligraphy.
- Islamic Ornamentation.
Participants must comply with the theme and the specific artistic requirements of the category they are applying for, in accordance with the guidelines and conditions of the current edition.
Benefits
Participation in the Al Burda Award offers a number of benefits, including:
- The opportunity to compete in a prestigious cultural and artistic award in the United Arab Emirates.
- Increased visibility for poets, calligraphers, and artists before a broad audience.
- Support for talent in the fields of Islamic arts.
- The opportunity to strengthen participants’ professional and artistic profiles.
- Recognition and showcasing of winning and distinguished works through the award’s activities.
- The chance to join a community of artists and creatives interested in poetry, Arabic calligraphy, and Islamic ornamentation.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants may apply if they:
- Work or create in one of the fields of poetry, Arabic calligraphy, or ornamentation.
- Submit an original work that aligns with the theme of the 2026 edition.
- Comply with the technical requirements of the selected category.
- Complete the registration and upload their work within the specified deadlines.
- Submit all required information and files through the award’s official platform.