Music and Performing Arts

This category explores the sounds and movements of Emirati Futurism. 

Each culture has its own dances, rhythms and sounds. In the past, these were linked to everyday activities like fishing, farming and craft-making. Songs were sung to communicate values, tell stories, share history and lift the spirit. You could tell where a person was from by the songs they sang, not just by the way they dressed or the accent they used.

How might this evolve over time? How do the traditional sounds, instruments, chants and songs of the UAE’s past blend with the sounds of tomorrow? This category is about uncovering and showcasing the futuristic sounds of Emirati Futurism, connecting tomorrow’s beat to the images and experiences of today. 

What is covered by this category?

Songs, beats, remixes, riffs, dances, musicals, poetry and singing are all suitable for this category.

Submission should include the following

• One to three audio or video files (mp4), no less than 1 minute but no more than 3 minutes long. 
• 100 word paragraph describing your idea and how you think it feels like an Emirati Futurism.

Optional

• One to three A4 to A0 size sketches, mood-board, or images that support your idea.

Submission formats

• Images (.jpg or .pdf)
• Audio (.mp4) (Our platform currently does not support .mp3 files, please convert your audio files to an .mp4 file with a blank screen)
• Video (.mp4)

Judging Criteria

Your idea will be scored according to the following factors:

1. Innovation: How original, creative and clever was the submission? Does it conceptually deliver on the challenge theme?
2. Presentation: How well executed was the submission, from a technical / quality point of view?
3. Values: Does the submission build on, respond to, or reference the heritage and experience of the UAE?

Final Submission date

28 May 2021

Terms and conditions apply.