Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 23 September 2025: The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) announces the return of the Gulf Capital – ADMAF Visual Arts and Creativity Awards, dedicated to discovering and celebrating young talent across art forms in the UAE. Since their launch in 2013, the Awards have provided a vital platform to nurture artistic excellence, offering recognition, visibility and access to development opportunities that support the growth of emerging artists.
Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), said: “Since their establishment in 2013, the Creativity Award and the Visual Arts Award, presented by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Gulf Capital, continue to recognise artistic excellence and original creative thinking among young creatives and artists from the UAE. These awards work to develop their skills and enhance their experiences, encouraging them to refine their creative practices in the fields of performing and visual arts and literary expression. The two awards also promote the sharing of the winners’ works with a broader audience at the Abu Dhabi Festival in the capital and abroad, enabling them to actively contribute to the cultural landscape and creative industries in the UAE and the world.”
Dr. Karim El Solh, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Capital, said:
“We are proud to be a long-standing partner of ADMAF, supporting and celebrating the creativity and ambition of young UAE artists. These awards provide an important platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills, share their stories and gain recognition both locally and internationally. Championing the next generation of creative leaders lies at the heart of our commitment to empowering communities and building a thriving arts and culture landscape in the UAE.”
Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award
Submission open until 8 November 2025
Winner announcement in December 2025
Showcase at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026
The Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award invites emerging talents in music, theatre, dance and spoken word to inspire audiences through innovative expression. The award encourages young performers to develop their craft, refine their artistic voice and present their work to wider audiences.
Entries may be submitted individually by emerging Emirati artists, aged 18 to 35, or in groups of two to five participants, provided the group includes at least one Emirati member. Submissions will be judged on artistic merit, originality, creativity, technical skill, presentation, storytelling and professionalism. The winner will receive a grand prize of AED 20,000, and their work will be showcased at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026.
For more information and to apply, please visit : admaf.org/award/gulf-capital-admaf-creativity-award/
Gulf Capital – ADMAF Visual Arts Award
Submission open until 8 November 2025
Winner announcement in December 2025
Showcase at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026
The Gulf Capital – ADMAF Visual Arts Award celebrates emerging UAE artists who demonstrate exceptional creativity across visual art forms. The award highlights the importance of experimentation, dialogue and visual storytelling within the UAE’s contemporary art landscape.
Entries may be submitted individually by emerging Emirati artists, aged 18 to 35, or in groups of two to four participants, provided the group includes at least one Emirati member. Eligible disciplines include video, film, animation, photography, painting, sculpture and installation. Submissions will be evaluated for artistic merit, originality, creativity, technical skill, and emotional impact. The winner will receive a grand prize of AED 10,000, and their work will be showcased at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026.
For more information and to apply please visit: admaf.org/award/gulf-capital-admaf-visual-arts-award/
In partnership with Gulf Capital, the Awards underscore ADMAF’s commitment to nurturing young Emirati talent, supporting artistic growth and empowering new voices to shape the regional and international arts scene.
Emerging artists are invited to submit their entries by 8 November 2025 for the chance to be recognised and celebrated as part of the UAE’s next generation of creative leaders.
