1. Art Competition in the UAE 2026 with a Cash Prize of AED 20,000

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), in partnership with Gulf Capital, invites emerging Emirati artists to enter the Gulf Capital ADMAF Creativity Award, a competition for original performing arts. Eligible genres include music, dance, spoken word and theatre. The award is AED 20,000, and submissions close on November 16, 2026.

About the Gulf Capital ADMAF Creativity Award

The award gives emerging performers a platform to develop and present their artistic work to new audiences. Entries are assessed by a selection committee considering artistic merit, evidence of original and creative thinking, personal application of technical skills, presentation, storytelling and professionalism. The winner receives AED 20,000, disbursed according to a pre-established payment schedule, and will display the winning work at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027. Depending on what is needed to realize the proposed artwork, winners may also receive exhibition opportunities, global media exposure and mentorship.

The submission period opens on September 4, 2026 and closes on November 16, 2026. The winner is scheduled to be announced on January 31, 2027. Entries must be submitted during the official submission period; late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants must complete an online application form and provide a high-quality horizontal performance video between three and eight minutes long, showcasing their performance and technical skill. The terms also request a detailed description of the work, technical specifications and an artist’s statement. Digital visual documentation must use one of the listed formats: JPEG, PDF, TIFF or MP4. The page refers to accepted file-size limits but does not state the limits.

Participants retain ownership of their work. By entering, they grant ADMAF a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, reproduce, distribute and use submissions for promotional, educational and archival purposes, with proper attribution. Applicants also consent to the use of their names, likenesses, biographical details and submitted works for award-related publicity without additional compensation unless otherwise agreed. They agree to appear in related photography and filming and to take part in interviews, photo sessions and other media activities reasonably requested by ADMAF and Gulf Capital. The winner must formally accept the award by signing an acceptance agreement; failure to do so may result in forfeiture. The winner also agrees to travel nationally and internationally if required. Explore other competitions and awards or browse opportunities for youth.

Who Should Apply

The award is intended for emerging artists who are UAE nationals and aged 18 to 35. Applicants may submit individually or as a group, subject to the group-submission terms. The work must be an original performing arts piece created within the past 12 months and must not infringe another party’s intellectual property rights. The terms also require participants to be legally capable of entering a binding agreement and exclude employees, contractors or representatives of the organizer, sponsors or ADMAF and Gulf Capital affiliated partners, unless the terms explicitly state otherwise.

Key Highlights

• Eligible genres: music, dance, spoken word and theatre.
• Cash award: AED 20,000, paid according to a pre-established schedule.
• The winning work will be presented at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027.
• Submission period: September 4 to November 16, 2026.
• Winner announcement: January 31, 2027.
• Open to emerging UAE national artists.