Exciting Opportunity for Artists: Design New Salik Tags
Call for Creative Submissions
Salik Company PJSC, the sole toll gate operator in Dubai, is launching an exciting initiative in partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. They are inviting artists across various disciplines to participate in the “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes” competition. This initiative aims to refresh Salik’s tag designs, allowing creatives to express their unique views of Dubai and showcase the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Who Can Participate?
The competition welcomes a diverse array of participants, including artists, designers, calligraphers, and graffiti artists. This is a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to a project that celebrates Dubai’s vibrant identity and its commitment to artistic expression.
Competition Timeline and Rewards
Entries are currently being accepted and will remain open until January 19, 2026. A substantial prize pool totaling AED 100,000 (approximately USD 27,000) is up for grabs, with the winners announced during the Sikka Art & Design Festival. This annual event is scheduled for January 23 to February 1, 2026, in Al Shindagha Historic Neighborhood.
The prizes are designed to reward creativity effectively:
- First Place: USD 15,000
- Second Place: USD 7,000
- Third Place: USD 5,000
Judging Criteria and Goals
A panel composed of representatives from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Culture, and Salik will assess the submissions. They aim to spotlight innovative designs that not only reflect the artists’ individuality but also resonate with the diversity and creativity that define Dubai’s arts community.
Strengthening Dubai’s Creative Ecosystem
According to Mr. Ibrahim Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, this collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to empowering local talent and nurturing the next generation of creatives. Al Haddad expressed that the competition aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to enhance Dubai’s reputation as a leading global hub for culture and creativity.
“This initiative seeks to inspire young artists—whether they are in schools or universities—to develop designs that symbolize the spirit of Dubai while contributing to a smarter, more sustainable mobility system,” he remarked.
The Role of Art in Dubai’s Identity
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized the importance of this competition in celebrating the unique characteristics of Dubai. She noted that it would foster a culture of creativity and encourage artists to utilize the emirate’s cultural resources to articulate their diverse perspectives.
“This initiative is a wonderful catalyst for artistic innovation, ultimately strengthening Dubai’s cultural industries,” Al Suwaidi pointed out. By facilitating broader creative expression, the competition aims to elevate the appreciation of art throughout the city.
Submission Guidelines
Artists interested in participating must ensure that their designs are original, contemporary, and aligned with the local community’s values and traditions. They can access the application form and detailed guidelines here.
About Salik
Established as a public joint-stock company in June 2022, Salik has effectively managed the toll systems across Dubai using advanced technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). With ten operational toll gates primarily along Sheikh Zayed Road, Salik recorded an impressive 593 million journeys in 2023, demonstrating its essential role in the city’s transport infrastructure. The company operates under a long-term concession agreement with the RTA lasting until 2071 and holds exclusive rights to operate all current and future toll gates in the emirate.
This competition not only aims to enhance Salik’s brand engagement but also seeks to build a design library that reflects the ongoing evolution of Dubai’s arts scene. Participating artists have a chance to shape the future of mobility in the city through their innovative designs.
