Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) have collectively unveiled the Emirati Futurism Award, a nationwide competition that invites designers, artists and creators to combine authentic Emirati culture with futuristic technologies and reimagine what the future of the UAE looks like through their creations.
The first-of-its-kind competition encourages its participants to imagine and create a new representation of what the future holds for the country while reflecting its cultural values and traditions of the UAE. The event is expected to contribute towards fresh Emirati design styles and support a new generation of designers.
Hala Badri Director General Dubai Culture
“We are honored to partner with the Dubai Future Foundation to launch the ‘Emirati Futurism Award’ as a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at building a brighter future, through blending the technological transformation with our Emirati culture. The award reaffirms our commitment to developing an infrastructure that stimulates cultural and creative sectors and fostering a sustainable cultural ecosystem that supports Dubai’s economic growth and strengthens the emirate’s position as a global center for arts and culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent.”
The Dubai Culture Director-General further added that with the new competition, the body wants “to create an innovative challenge that inspires participants to highlight the UAE’s contributions to human civilization.”
His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO at Dubai Future Foundation, said that the launch of the ‘Emirati Futurism Award’, in partnership with the Dubai Culture, is in line with the joint efforts of both entities to realize the vision of the leaders who continue to stress the importance of having foresight, anticipating trends and opportunities and being prepared to respond to various changes across all sectors that impact people’s lives and contribute to enhancing their wellbeing.
“We will continue to work with our partners in the government and private sector to accelerate the adoption of technologies and digital transformation and create a positive shift in the UAE’s arts and culture sector while preserving the distinctive features of the country’s values and heritage,” the DFF CEO stated.
The Competition
The Emirati Futurism Award will attract creations into seven categories including;
Architecture and Urbanism
Fashion and Jewelry
Product and Industrial Design
Photography and Graphic Design
Film and Animation
Music and Performing Arts and
Fine Arts.
The winner of each competition category will walk away with cash prizes. Moreover, winners and seven runners-up from each category will have an opportunity to intern at various organisations.
The competition will also include standout honors such as Honourable Mention and People’s Choice Award.
The participants of the awards will be provided with an opportunity to gain a workspace and membership at AREA 2071, a unique and innovative ecosystem that nurtures and supports talents, creative minds, startups and entrepreneurs.
Participants will also receive exhibition and retail opportunities at the iconic Museum of the Future.
The Emirati Futurism Award is open to all citizens and residents of the UAE. Participants can apply for the competition at the official website.
