How to enter Emaar’s Burj Khalifa projection design competition and details on the cash prize.
Dubai: Dreaming of seeing your artwork displayed on the world’s tallest building? Emaar has reopened its Burj Khalifa Open Call, inviting artists, designers and creative minds from the UAE and around the world to participate in its projection design competition.
The initiative gives selected creators the opportunity to have their work showcased on the iconic façade of Burj Khalifa through large-scale projections.
Emaar announced the latest edition on social media, encouraging aspiring participants with the message that “the next projection could carry your signature.” The developer also confirmed that submissions are now open through the Burj Khalifa website.
What’s on offer
According to the open call, Emaar is seeking a “stunning audio-visual projection” that could be showcased on Burj Khalifa’s façade. The opportunity offers the winning creator a chance to gain global recognition by having their work displayed on one of the world’s most iconic and photographed landmarks.
Emaar described the competition as an opportunity for creators to see their work brought to life on a global platform, in front of audiences from across the world. The developer encouraged artists to “project their creativity sky-high” and showcase their vision on the iconic tower.
The competition brief highlights that the selected design should reflect “innovation, artistry, and the vibrant spirit of Dubai.”
Key dates
Submissions for the competition opened on July 8, 2026, and will remain open until August 18, 2026, at 11:59pm.
Participants are required to submit original work that is culturally appropriate and free from copyright concerns, including both visual elements and music used in the projection.
Submission specifications
Entries must be three minutes in length. Applicants should submit a preview video in MP4 format, while the final high-resolution projection file must be provided in MOV format.
The preview submission must include integrated music, while a separate audio file is also required for the final projection. All music used in the entry must be copyright-free.
Along with the video, applicants must submit a brief concept note of up to 300 words outlining the story, inspiration and creative vision behind their design.
A downloadable template containing detailed technical requirements, as well as a guidance manual, is available to help participants prepare their entries.
How to apply
Interested artists can submit their completed video and concept note by emailing their entries to opencall@emaar.ae before the submission deadline.
Full terms, conditions and frequently asked questions are available in the Open Call section of the Burj Khalifa website.
The reward
Unlike some previous editions, this year’s Open Call does not provide details of any cash prize. The current listing highlights the opportunity to have the winning artwork “projected on the world’s tallest building,” but does not mention any monetary reward.
Last year’s edition
This marks a notable change from the previous competition. Emaar’s May 2025 Open Call featured a major incentive, offering the winning designer a Dh100,000 cash prize in addition to having their creation showcased on Burj Khalifa.
The previous competition ran from May 6 to June 26, 2025, and was open exclusively to UAE residents.
Announcing that edition, Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar said: “At Emaar, we believe that talent knows no boundaries. Burj Khalifa stands not only as a symbol of human achievement but also as a canvas for creativity and innovation — open to everyone with a talent to share. Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing creativity and providing a platform where ideas can reach new heights. We are proud to open our doors to every dreamer, artist, and innovator, offering them the opportunity to contribute to our collective story of achievement.”
Wider contest this year
Unlike last year’s UAE-focused competition, the latest edition has expanded its reach, inviting submissions from artists “from the UAE and around the world.”
With the submission window remaining open for nearly six weeks — significantly longer than the 2025 timeframe — Emaar appears to be seeking participation from a broader and more diverse global creative community.
Whether the absence of a announced cash prize will affect participation remains to be seen, but for many artists and creators, the opportunity to showcase their work on the world’s tallest building could be a reward in itself.
