Skip to content

Emirati Futurism Award Competition (the “Competition”)

This Competition is organised by Dubai Future Foundation (“DFF“). Set out below are the Competition Rules, which together with the Competition T&C’s apply to this Competition.

Competition Rules

  • Eligibility: The eligibility requirements for this Competition have been varied from the Competition T&Cs to the extent that: You may enter this Competition as an individual or a team. If you are entering as an individual, the eligibility requirements require that you are: (1) a legal resident of the United Arab Emirates at the time of submission; and (2) the holder of an UAE based bank account (“Eligible Individuals”). If you are entering as a team, the eligibility requirements require that at least one member of the team qualifies as an Eligible Individual (“Eligible Teams”). All other eligibility requirements set out in the Competition T&Cs shall apply to this Competition.
  • Participation: Each Participant (“You“) may participate by choosing a category from the DFF website found here, each a “Category” and completing the application form for the relevant Category by clicking on the “Apply Now” link and submitting your ideas, proposals or concepts. You may submit more than one entry in multiple Categories. The Categories vary across different sectors, including, music and performing arts, film and animation, photography and graphic design, industrial design, fashion and jewellery, fine arts, architecture and urbanism. The submission requirements for each Category are outlined below. All submissions must be digital images, drawings, animations or sounds.
  • Competition Period:
    • The Competition opens for submissions on 17 January 2021.
    • The Competition closes submissions on 28 May 2021.
    • The winners of the Competition will be announced during the award ceremony at a date to be confirmed in due course by DFF due to public health conditions and the ability to hold the event in person.
  • Total Prizes Available:
    • First prize: 15,000 AED; internship with various organizations, promotion and inclusion in award ceremony and associated media; workspace and membership to AREA 2071; retail and exhibition opportunities in the Museum of the Future (if applicable).
    • Second prize: 10,000 AED; internship with various organizations; promotion and inclusion in award ceremony and associated media; workspace and membership to AREA 2071; retail and exhibition opportunities in the Museum of the Future (if applicable).
    • Honourable mention: Promotion and inclusion in award ceremony and associated media; work space and membership to AREA 2071; retail and exhibition opportunities in the Museum of the Future (if applicable).
  • Judges and Judging Criteria: Each Category will have its own group of distinctive judges (to be determined).
    • Innovation: How original, creative and clever was the submission? Does it conceptually deliver on the challenge theme?
    • Presentation: How well-executed was the submission from a technical and quality point of view?
    • Values: Does the submission build on, respond to or reference the heritage and experience of the UAE?
  • Publicity: By entering this Competition, you agree that the following information and submission components may be publicly displayed and/or announced:
    • Your name
    • Your age
    • Your location
    • Team members
    • Description of submission
    • Submission category and platform
    • Images
    • Videos
    • Website URL

Submission Requirements for each Category

Category #1: Music and Performing Arts

  • You may submit songs, beats, remixes, riffs, dances, musicals and poetry.
  • Your submission should include one to three audio or video files in mp4 format.
  • The duration of the video should not be less than 1 minute, and not exceed 3 minutes.
  • Your submission should include a paragraph of a 100 words describing your idea and how it reflects the Emirati Futurism aesthetic.
  • You have the option of additionally submit one to three A4 size sketches, mood-board, or images that support your idea.
  • If You are submitting an image, You must submit the same using .jpg or .pdf formats. If You are submitting an audio and/or video, You must submit the same using .mp4 format.

Category #2: Film and Animation

  • You may submit a documentary, stop motion animation, 2D or 3D animation or a short film.
  • Your submission should include the following:
    • A storyboard of your idea that consists of one to three A4 size files which includes either 2D or 3D renderings or sketches of your characters, drawings or images of your idea with a 300 DPI resolution.
    • A short video, clip or animation with a duration between 15 seconds and 1 minute in length.
    • A paragraph of a 100 words describing your story or idea and how it reflects the Emirati Futurism aesthetic.
  • You have the option of additionally submitting one A4 size file which includes sketches, mood-boards or images that support your idea.  
  • If You are submitting an image, You must submit the same using .jpg or .pdf formats. If You are submitting a video, You must submit the same using .mp4 format.

Category #3: Photography and Graphic Design

  • You may submit a photography piece, photo-manipulation, illustration, and/or hand-drawn images in the form of a poster, book cover, sign, billboard or advertisement.
  • The submission must showcase a unique look and feel which incorporates traditional typographic and design elements with cutting edge perspectives and futuristic elements.
  • Your submission should include the following:
    • One to three A4 size files which include either 2D or 3D renderings, sketches, drawings or images of your product with a 300 DPI resolution.
    • The images submitted should be in .jpg or .pdf format.
    • A paragraph of a 100 words describing your idea and how it reflects the Emirati Futurism aesthetic.
  • You have the option of additionally submitting one to three A4 size files which includes sketches, mood-boards or images that support your idea. 

Category #4: Product and Industrial Design

  • You may submit designs of objects ranging from cars, planes and boats to pens, sunglasses, computers, consumer products and other related objects. This also includes interior decoration elements, including, light fixtures, silverware and/or furniture which could morph into various functions.
  • Your submission should include the following:
    • One to three A4 size files which include either 2D or 3D renderings, sketches, drawings or images of your product with a 300 DPI resolution.
    • The images submitted should be in .jpg or .pdf format.
    • A paragraph of a 100 words describing your idea and how it reflects the Emirati Futurism aesthetic.
  • You have the option of additionally submitting one to three A4 size files that include sketches, mood-boards or images that support your idea.

Category #5: Fashion and Jewelry

  • You may submit designs catered to both men and women of all ages, and animals. The designs may be ready-to-wear, fabric designs and/or jewelry designs.
  • Your submission should include the following:
    • One to three A4 size files which include sketches, patterns, drawings, 3D models or images with a 300 DPI resolution.  
    • The images submitted should be in .jpg or .pdf format.
    • A paragraph of a 100 words describing your idea and how it reflects the Emirati Futurism aesthetic.
  • You have the option of additionally submitting one to three A4 size files that include sketches, mood-boards or images that support your idea.

Category #6: Fine Arts

  • You may submit paintings, drawings, printed artworks, sculptures and mixed media artworks.
  • Your submission should include the following:
    • One to three A4 size files which include either 2D or 3D renderings, sketches, drawings or images in 300 DPI resolution.   
    • The images submitted should be in .jpg or .pdf format.
    • A paragraph of a 100 words describing your idea and how it reflects the Emirati Futurism aesthetic.
  • You have the option of additionally submitting one A4 size file which includes sketches, mood boards or images that support your idea.  

Category #7: Architecture and Urbanism

  • You may submit work ranging from façade designs, architectural details and other small-scale interventions, all the way up to an entire building, neighbourhood and city plans.
    • One to three A4 size files which include either 2D or 3D renderings, sketches, evaluations, plans, drawings or images with a 300 DPI resolution.
    • The images submitted should be in .jpg or .pdf format.
    • A paragraph of a 100 words describing your idea and how it reflects the Emirati Futurism aesthetic.
  • You have the option of additionally submitting one to three A4 size file which includes sketches, mood boards or images that support your idea.