• Entrants must be UAE residents who have graduated from a university or college within the last five years or full-time degree students enrolled at a UAE university or college. 

• All applicants must apply for the Award with the support and nomination of a mentor (from within or outside of the university system). 

• Entries can be submitted individually or by a group of up to three people. 

A selection committee chooses a winning entry based on the following considerations: 

• You will need a mentor. By nominating you, they commit to working with you throughout the production and installation of your work, to guide and support you. They can be a practicing artist, a current or past professor, a client, a gallerist – anyone whom you would like to work with. It is an important relationship and one that will help you to realise your work. 

• Be clear and concise. When filling in the online application form, keep your answers concise, focused, and honest. If you foresee challenges in creating your work, explain what they are and how you may need help to overcome them. 

• Do your research. If you are estimating your artwork’s production cost, contact potential suppliers for quotes. Your budget doesn’t have to be final at the start, but it should be realistic and based on some initial research.  

• Think big, think small, but think practical. 

• Is your work durable? If the work is exhibited outside it must withstand all elements: wind, rain, and sun. 

• Can you produce your project for $10,000 USD (approximately AED 36,730)? 

• Can you deliver your artwork on time while managing other commitments? 

• Do you have a suitable workspace? 

• Is your work safe to exhibit in a public space? 

• Think outside of the box. Previous winners may inspire you, but the selection committee will always be looking for innovation and originality. 

• Enjoy the experience and have fun! This is a tremendous opportunity to create art and work with arts professionals. 

• Application Form 
• Budget Form  
• Production Schedule Form 

By entering this competition, entrants indicate and confirm their agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. 

• The competition is free to enter. 

• Entries must be submitted in English. 

• Only completed entries will be accepted.  

• Competition entrants will not receive payment for their entries. 

• In entering the Award, applicant warrants that their entry is completely original under his/her own creation, all content therein is accurate and lawful, and does not contain material that is harmful, libelous or defamatory to, or material that may infringe the right of, any person or entity in any nature. The applicant will be obliged to indemnify for any damage the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) may suffer as a result of any inconsistency to the foregoing. 

• Applicants will retain ownership of copyright for their entry. After submission to the competition, ADMAF has the right to use the nominated work in connection with the competition. ADMAF has the right to copy, display, publish and make available all nominated work in any format (whether online or in print or otherwise) in connection with the competition. 

• The selection committee will select one winning entry, and their decision is final. 

• The winner will ensure to be physically present to attend the timelines as stipulated above. 

• The winner agrees to exhibit their work during any activity taking place in Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 or any other activity organized by ADMAF or New York University Abu Dhabi (within reason). 

• ADMAF has the right to copy, display, publish and make available all nominated work in any format (whether online or in print or otherwise) in connection with the competition. 

• The winner agrees to appear in all photography and film associated with the award and will be requested to sign a waiver accordingly. 

• The winner agrees to join the ADMAF Alumni and contribute to the promotion of future editions of the award. 

• The winner must claim the prize within 12 months of receipt. 

• The applicant’s contact details will be added to the ADMAF database to receive future updates from the Foundation. 

• ADMAF reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these terms or is deemed inappropriate or not in the spirit of the competition. 

• By entering, the entrant consents to ADMAF using their personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws for the purposes of administering the competition and promoting future events.