In a creative partnership that brings together transportation and culture, Salik, Dubai’s exclusive toll gate operator, and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority have announced the launch of the “Dubai Legacy Through Your Eyes” competition. This initiative aims to engage artists, designers, and creatives—especially youth—in reimagining Salik card designs that reflect Dubai’s vibrant spirit, cultural richness, and artistic diversity.
The competition invites participants to submit original, never-before-seen designs that showcase their personal artistic vision of Dubai. The goal is to create artwork that not only resonates with the city’s identity but also enhances the everyday experience of commuters through beautiful, meaningful design.
This initiative is aligned with the “Dubai Legacy” program, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The program focuses on preserving Dubai’s heritage by capturing stories and experiences that document the city’s evolution and the lives of its people across generations.
Prize Pool and Festival Debut
Entries will be accepted from today until January 19, 2026, with a total prize pool of AED 100,000 (approximately USD 27,000). The winning designs will be unveiled during the 14th edition of the Sikka Art and Design Festival, hosted by Dubai Culture in the historic Al Shindagha district from January 23 to February 1, 2026.
The competition prizes include:
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First place: USD 15,000
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Second place: USD 7,000
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Third place: USD 5,000
A jury panel composed of representatives from Salik, Dubai Culture, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, and how well the designs reflect Dubai’s identity and aspirations.
Celebrating Innovation and Local Talent
Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, emphasized that the initiative is part of Salik’s broader commitment to empowering youth and nurturing creative talent. “This collaboration with Dubai Culture is an extension of our support for youth innovation,” he said. “We want to celebrate art as a key element in shaping Dubai’s future, and this competition offers a unique platform for the next generation to leave their creative mark on the city’s everyday landscape.”
Al Haddad added that the competition supports the “Dubai Legacy” initiative by creating innovative spaces that integrate culture and design into public services—contributing to a smarter and more vibrant city.
From Dubai Culture’s side, Shaima Rashid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector, highlighted the Authority’s mission to foster cultural growth and make art accessible to everyone. “This competition is a new way to showcase the uniqueness of Dubai’s heritage and creative spirit,” she said. “It allows artists to transform their personal experiences and the city’s cultural wealth into artistic expressions that uplift the visual identity of Dubai.”
Open Call for Creatives
The competition welcomes all visual artists, designers, calligraphers, and graffiti artists to take part. The goal is to enrich Salik’s design library with fresh and distinctive concepts, while enhancing public interaction with the brand.
Participants must submit designs that are original, innovative, and aligned with local cultural values. Entries must not have been previously published or produced, ensuring each submission represents a fresh and personal take on Dubai’s identity.
