• Emirati emerging artists aged between 18 and 35 years old 

• Entries can be submitted individually or as a group of 2-4 people (including at least 1 Emirati member) 

• Entries must fall within the genre of visual arts: video, film, animation, photography, painting, sculpture or installation 

A jury selects the winner based on the following attributes: 

• Artistic Merit 
• Evidence of original and creative thinking 
• Personal application of technical skills 
• Emotional Impact 

• Application Form – To be completed online 
• Artwork Portfolio – High quality images showcasing your artwork 

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

• The competition is free to enter. 

• Each applicant may submit up to three entries. 

• Entries may be submitted in Arabic or 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 jury selects one winner, and their decision is final. 

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

• The nominator will facilitate the winning applicant’s attendance and participation in the Award Ceremony during Abu Dhabi Festival 2026. 

• 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 Gulf Capital during 2026 (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. 

• Payment will be provided in installments dependent on meeting agreed milestones and targets set between the winner and their mentor/coach. 

• The applicant warrants that their entry is entirely original, has not been previously submitted to any other competition, published, or sold. Entries that do not meet this requirement will be disqualified. 

• 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 applicant 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.