Dubai Culture and Dubai Future Foundation launch Emirati Futurism Award

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, the Dubai Culture, in partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), today launched the Emirati Futurism Award. 

The nationwide competition seeks to combine authentic Emirati culture with futuristic technologies to re-imagine what the future of the UAE looks like. It invites designers, artists and creators to share their interpretation through imagining and co-creating a new future and increasing awareness of the UAE’s culture and heritage.

The Award aims to stimulate public imagination and create a new representation of what the future holds for the country, while reflecting its cultural values and traditions. The first-of-its-kind, the competition will contribute to encouraging the creation of fresh Emirati design styles and supporting a new generation of designers. 

Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: “We are honoured 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 centre for arts and culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent.”

Through the Emirati Futurism Award, we wanted to create an innovative challenge that inspires participants to highlight the UAE’s contributions to human civilisation,” HE Badri said, noting that the competition is in line with Dubai Culture’s updated strategic roadmap and the UAE Government’s vision to preserve local heritage, stimulate economic growth and develop a knowledge-based society.

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 realise the vision of the leadership 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,” HE Belhoul said.

The competition comprises 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. 

Competition Awards

The winner of each competition category will walk away with cash prizes. Additionally, the seven winners and seven runners-up will receive internship opportunities at various organisations. The competition also includes an Honourable Mention and People’s Choice Award. 

The Award also offers participants the opportunity to get a work space 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 at https://www.dubaifuture.ae/emirati-futurism-award/.