Call for Nominations: Dolce and Gabbana x ADMAF Design Award (UAE)

Deadline: 16-Nov-2026

The Dolce&Gabbana x ADMAF Design Award invites young Emirati fashion designers aged 18 to 35 to submit original abaya designs for the opportunity to win a six-month internship with Dolce&Gabbana in Italy. Launched through a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Dolce&Gabbana, the annual award aims to empower emerging Emirati designers by connecting traditional cultural influences with contemporary fashion and design. For the current edition, the competition focuses exclusively on the fashion category, with applicants invited to create original abaya designs inspired by themes such as flowers, lace, patchwork, hand-painted elements, and embroidery.

About the Dolce&Gabbana x ADMAF Design Award

The award is designed to support the creative and professional development of young Emirati designers.

The initiative aims to:

- Encourage creative excellence. - Support emerging fashion designers. - Connect tradition with innovation. - Strengthen opportunities within the fashion and cultural industries. - Provide participants with exposure to leading industry experts. - Help young designers showcase their work internationally. The programme gives emerging designers an opportunity to develop their creative skills while presenting their work on a global stage.

Current Edition Focus: Abaya Design

The current edition focuses exclusively on the fashion category, specifically original abaya designs. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate creative elements and techniques such as: - Flowers. - Lace. - Patchwork. - Hand-painted elements. - Embroidery. Designers can use these themes as creative inspiration while developing original work that reflects their individual artistic vision. What Does the Winner Receive? The winner will receive a six-month internship with Dolce&Gabbana in Italy. The internship will take place in Milan or Legnano, Italy, and includes: - A six-month professional internship. - Economy-class flights. - Accommodation. - A monthly allowance of €600. The opportunity can provide the winning designer with valuable international experience and exposure to the professional fashion industry. Exhibition Opportunities The winning design will also receive opportunities for public and international visibility. The winning work will be exhibited at: - Abu Dhabi Festival 2027. - A selected Dolce&Gabbana boutique in Abu Dhabi. Additional benefits may include mentorship, global media exposure, and further exhibition opportunities where required to support the realization of the proposed artwork. Creative Development and Industry Exposure The award is intended to help young Emirati designers strengthen their professional skills and gain exposure to the international fashion industry.

Participants can benefit from the opportunity to

- Develop their creative practice. - Showcase original fashion work. - Receive guidance from leading industry experts. - Gain international industry exposure. - Build professional experience. - Present their work to wider audiences. The winning internship provides an additional opportunity to experience the fashion industry in Italy. Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is restricted to Emirati fashion designers aged 18 to 35

Applicants must:

- Be UAE nationals. - Be between 18 and 35 years old. - Be fashion designers. - Submit an original abaya design. - Ensure the submitted work has not previously been submitted to another competition. - Ensure the submitted work has not been previously published. - Ensure the submitted work has not been previously sold. - Be legally capable of entering into a binding agreement. Originality Requirements The submitted design must be original and must not have been previously submitted, published, or sold. This means applicants should submit work created specifically in accordance with the competition requirements and ensure that the proposed design has not already been entered into another competition or commercially or publicly released. Designers should carefully verify the originality status of their work before submitting an application. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain individuals connected with the organizers and sponsors are excluded from participation.

The following are not eligible:

- Employees of the organizing bodies. - Contractors of the organizing bodies. - Representatives of the organizing bodies. - Employees of the sponsors. - Contractors of the sponsors. - Representatives of the sponsors. Applicants must also meet the requirement of being UAE nationals and legally capable of entering into a binding agreement. How to Prepare a Strong Design Submission Applicants should focus on originality, creativity, and the relationship between traditional influences and contemporary fashion.

Important preparation steps include:

- Develop an original abaya design: Create work specifically suited to the current fashion-focused edition.

- Explore the suggested themes: Consider flowers, lace, patchwork, hand-painted elements, and embroidery as sources of creative inspiration.

- Showcase your individual style: Make sure the design demonstrates your creative identity.

- Confirm originality: Ensure the design has not been previously submitted to another competition, published, or sold.

- Check eligibility: Confirm that you are a UAE national and meet the 18–35 age requirement.

- Consider presentation: Prepare the design so that its creative concept and execution can be clearly understood.

- Review participation restrictions: Ensure that you are not an employee, contractor, or representative of an organizing body or sponsor.

Why Apply for the Dolce&Gabbana x ADMAF Design Award? The award provides young Emirati fashion designers with an opportunity to combine creative development with international professional experience.

Key benefits include:

- A six-month internship with Dolce&Gabbana. - Internship location in Milan or Legnano, Italy. - Economy-class flights. - Accommodation. - €600 monthly allowance. -