In an exciting new initiative, SALIK and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, known as Dubai Culture, have teamed up to announce the launch of the “Heritage Dubai Through Your Vision” competition. This contest invites artists, creators, and young talents to contribute their unique visions for designing the new SALIK cards, reflecting the creative spirit of Dubai and highlighting the emirate’s rich cultural diversity and distinctive art scene.
Embracing Dubai’s Heritage
The competition aligns with the “Heritage Dubai” initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Vice President of the Council of Ministers, aimed at reviving Dubai’s historical memory through the documentation and preservation of stories and life experiences that illustrate the evolution of Dubai and its residents over generations.
Competition Details and Prizes
Starting today and running until January 19, submissions for the competition will be accepted by SALIK. The total prize pool is AED 100,000 (approximately USD 27,000), with winners to be announced during the 14th edition of the Sikka Art and Design Festival, organized by Dubai Culture from January 23 to February 1, 2026, in the historic Al Shindagha district.
The first-place winner will receive USD 15,000, while the second-place winner will earn USD 7,000. The third-place prize is set at USD 5,000. A panel of judges consisting of representatives from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Culture, and SALIK will evaluate the submissions to select the most deserving entries. The competition seeks to discover and support talented artists and designers across various disciplines, motivating them to continue pursuing their passions and creating unique artistic experiences that promote innovation within the creative community.
Promoting Cultural Innovation
As stated by Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of SALIK, “Our collaboration with Dubai Culture in the ‘Heritage Dubai Through Your Vision’ contest represents our commitment to empowering talent and supporting youthful creativity. This initiative responds to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan’s vision and helps enhance the legacy of ‘Heritage Dubai’ by providing an innovative space that increases the value of our digital solutions and services.” Al Haddad emphasized the importance of this competition in inspiring the next generation to redefine Dubai’s artistic landscape and contribute meaningfully to the emirate’s innovative trajectory.
A Call to Artists
Sheikha Shaima Rashid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted the authority’s commitment to developing the local cultural sector and nurturing the skills of its creative community. “The ‘Heritage Dubai Through Your Vision’ competition is a fresh initiative aimed at showcasing Dubai’s unique essence and history while inspiring talents to tap into the emirate’s rich cultural reservoir,” she noted.
Both SALIK and Dubai Culture invite artists, practitioners, designers, calligraphers, and graffiti professionals to participate in this competition by submitting their innovative ideas and designs. This initiative is not only about enhancing SALIK‘s design library but also increasing community engagement with the brand through fresh and captivating designs. Participants are required to present original, innovative concepts that resonate with local values and cultural traditions.