Dubai’s Salik Launches Innovative Design Competition
Overview of the Initiative
Salik Company, the sole toll gate operator in Dubai, recently announced an exciting collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). This partnership brings forth the ‘Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes’ competition, designed to engage the local creative community in reimagining Salik tags. Artists, designers, and graffiti creators are encouraged to submit original designs that reflect Dubai’s unique cultural identity and artistic diversity.
Call for Creative Submissions
The competition invites a wide array of talents, including artists and calligraphers, to channel their interpretations of Dubai into their designs. This initiative aims to foster contributions from both emerging and established creatives, particularly focusing on the youth. By participating, these artists will play a role in shaping a key element in the city’s urban mobility framework.
Entrants have until January 19, 2026, to submit their designs, competing for a total prize pool of AED 100,000 (approximately $27,000). The competition winners will be celebrated during the Sikka Art & Design Festival, taking place from January 23 to February 1, 2026, in the historic Al Shindagha area.
Reward Structure
The competition has a tiered prize system to recognize the efforts of the top participants. The first-place winner will receive AED 55,000 (around $15,000), while second and third place will secure AED 25,000 and AED 18,000, respectively. This financial incentive underscores Salik’s commitment to promoting artistic endeavors within the community.
Judging Process and Representation
A committee, comprising representatives from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Culture, and Salik, will evaluate the submissions. This structure not only aims to ensure a fair judging process but also highlights the collaboration between various stakeholders in Dubai’s arts and transport sectors.
Promoting Artistic Vision
Ibrahim Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, emphasized the importance of this initiative in nurturing talent and supporting youth creativity. He stated that the competition aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to shape Dubai’s future through artistic expression. By creating a platform for innovative designs, the competition seeks to enhance the value of digital solutions while contributing to a smart, sustainable mobility ecosystem.
Fostering a Creative Ecosystem
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, praised the competition as a celebration of Dubai’s unique identity. She noted that the event not only promotes a culture of creativity but also encourages artists to draw inspiration from the city’s rich heritage. The output from this initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Dubai’s cultural industries, further elevating artistic appreciation throughout the emirate.
Guidelines for Submissions
Participants are required to ensure that all submissions are original, contemporary, and unpublished previously. The designs must also align with local values and traditions, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to its cultural heritage. This emphasis on originality is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the artistic expression that the competition seeks to promote.
Expanding Public Engagement
The competition aims not only to enrich Salik’s design library but also to enhance public engagement with the brand through new, creative interpretations. By tapping into the local talent pool, Salik hopes to inspire a fresh perspective on urban mobility solutions and their visual representation.
As the deadline for submissions approaches, artists and designers are encouraged to showcase their vision for Dubai through this unique opportunity. The ‘Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes’ competition stands as a testament to the emirate’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the arts, promising to enrich the cultural landscape of this dynamic city.
