Nominations Open: Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award (UAE)

Deadline: 16-Nov-2026

The Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award invites emerging young artists in the United Arab Emirates to apply for recognition and support as they develop and showcase their creative talents in music, theatre, dance, and spoken word. Established in 2013, the award provides a dedicated platform for emerging artists to refine their skills, develop original work, and connect with audiences in innovative ways. The initiative places particular emphasis on originality, presence, and collaboration, helping young creative voices contribute to the UAE’s evolving cultural and artistic landscape. The winner will receive AED 20,000 and the opportunity to display their winning work at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027, providing valuable recognition and exposure within the UAE arts community.

About the Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award

The Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award was established to support emerging artists and provide them with opportunities to develop and showcase their creative work. Since its inception in 2013, the award has focused on young artists working across performing arts genres. It encourages applicants to explore original approaches to connecting with audiences while contributing to the development of the region’s creative industries.

The award emphasises:

- Originality. - Artistic presence. - Collaboration. - Creative development. - Audience engagement. - Opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work. Which Art Forms Are Eligible? The award is open to original works within four performing arts genres: - Music - Dance - Spoken word - Theatre Applicants should ensure that their submitted work falls clearly within one of these eligible performing arts categories. What Does the Winner Receive? The winner will receive a cash award of AED 20,000. In addition to the financial award, the winning work will have the opportunity to be displayed at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027. This provides the successful artist with a platform to showcase their work and gain recognition within the UAE’s arts community. Opportunity for Emerging Artists The award is designed specifically to provide a platform for emerging Emirati artists. Through participation, artists can develop and refine their creative practice while presenting their work to audiences. The award’s focus on originality, presence, and collaboration encourages artists to explore innovative ways of communicating their ideas through the performing arts. For young artists seeking to establish themselves professionally, the opportunity can provide valuable visibility and recognition. Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is open to emerging Emirati artists aged between 18 and 35 years old

Applicants can participate either individually or as part of a group.

The eligibility structure allows:

- An individual Emirati artist. - A group of two to five people, provided that at least one group member is Emirati. All submitted works must fall within the eligible performing arts genres of music, dance, spoken word, or theatre. Original Work Requirement All entries must be original works created within the past 12 months. Applicants must ensure that their submissions do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third party. This means artists should submit work that they have created themselves and should carefully consider any materials, performances, music, text, choreography, or other creative elements incorporated into their submission. Group Applications Artists may apply as groups of two to five people. At least one member of the group must be Emirati. This provides an opportunity for collaborative creative projects while maintaining the award’s focus on supporting Emirati artistic talent. Groups should ensure that their proposed work meets the originality and performing arts requirements. Age and Nationality Requirements

Individual applicants must be:

- Emirati. - Between 18 and 35 years old. - Emerging artists. - Working within an eligible performing arts genre. For group applications, the group can include two to five people, provided that at least one member is Emirati. How to Prepare a Strong Application Artists should focus on demonstrating originality and presenting a clear creative concept.

Important preparation steps include:

- Create original work: Ensure the submitted work was created within the past 12 months.

- Choose an eligible genre: Make sure the work falls within music, dance, spoken word, or theatre.

- Highlight originality: Clearly communicate what makes the work distinctive and creative.

- Demonstrate artistic presence: Present the work in a way that reflects the artist’s creative identity.

- Consider collaboration: If applying as a group, ensure the collaborative contribution is clear.

- Protect intellectual property: Confirm that the submission does not infringe upon the rights of third parties.

- Check eligibility: Ensure individual and group members meet the applicable nationality and age requirements.

Why Apply for the Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award? The award provides emerging Emirati artists with both financial recognition and an opportunity to showcase their work.

Key benefits include:

- AED 20,000 for the winner. - Opportunity to display the winning work at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027. - Recognition within the UAE arts community. - A platform for emerging artistic talent. - Opportunities to showcase original creative work. - Support for artistic development and visibility. - A platform for innovative audience engagement. Focus on Creativity and Collaboration The award encourages young artists to explore new ways of presenting their creative ideas. Its emphasis on originality, presence, and collaboration allows artists to develop work that reflects their individual or collective creative identity while engaging with audiences in innovative ways. The programme contributes to the broader development of the UAE’s creative landscape by providing emerging artists with opportunities to ga