Burj Khalifa is welcoming artists, designers, and creative talents to contribute ideas for its upcoming facade projection experience, offering an opportunity to showcase original artwork on the world-famous landmark.
Burj Khalifa Invites Creative Minds to Design Its Next Facade Show — Here’s How Artists Can Participate.
Submissions created using AI-generated artwork or automated design tools will not be considered and may result in immediate disqualification from the selection process.
Artists Worldwide Get Chance to Showcase Their Creativity on Burj Khalifa Through New Projection Design Challenge
Have you ever stood near Dubai Mall and watched the spectacular visual displays lighting up the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and wondered about the creative minds behind those impressive performances? This time, the person responsible for the next unforgettable display could be you.
Emaar, the developer behind Dubai’s globally recognised landmark, has announced a new opportunity inviting artists and creative professionals from across the globe to submit their ideas for a special facade projection experience. The initiative gives talented individuals the chance to have their original artwork displayed on the exterior of the Burj Khalifa, transforming the iconic skyscraper into a massive canvas for artistic expression.
The latest edition of the projection design open call aims to discover fresh ideas from artists who can combine creativity, technology, storytelling, and visual design. Selected work will have the opportunity to become part of the Burj Khalifa’s world-famous light and projection experiences, allowing artists to share their vision with audiences in Dubai and visitors from around the world.
Emaar announced the competition through its official social media platforms, revealing that applications opened on July 8, 2026. Interested participants have until August 18, 2026, at 11:59pm to submit their entries. The company is encouraging artists to create unique audio-visual projection concepts that celebrate imagination, innovation, and the energetic character of Dubai.
The selected designs will be showcased on one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, providing creators with an opportunity to reach a global audience. Instead of being displayed in a traditional gallery space, these artworks will become part of a large-scale digital experience projected onto the Burj Khalifa’s massive facade.
Expanded Opportunity for International Artists
One of the biggest changes in this year’s edition is the expanded eligibility criteria. Unlike the previous competition, which focused only on artists living in the UAE, the latest call has opened participation to creative talents from both the UAE and other countries worldwide.
The wider reach allows more artists, designers, and visual storytellers to participate and share their concepts. By inviting international submissions, Emaar aims to bring together different artistic styles, cultural perspectives, and creative approaches from around the world.
The submission period has also been extended compared with the previous edition. Artists now have nearly six weeks to prepare and submit their concepts, giving them more time to develop detailed ideas and create high-quality audio-visual proposals.
Success of the Previous Edition
The 2025 edition of the competition attracted significant attention from the creative community. Originally introduced in May last year, the previous contest received strong interest from artists hoping to see their work displayed on the Burj Khalifa.
The popularity of the initiative led Emaar to extend the application deadline by an additional month due to what the company described as overwhelming interest from participants. The response highlighted the appeal of combining art, technology, and one of the world’s most famous architectural landmarks.
The previous competition offered the winning participant a financial reward of Dh100,000, along with the opportunity to have their design displayed on the Burj Khalifa facade. The combination of international recognition and the chance to become part of Dubai’s visual landscape attracted numerous creative submissions.
Recognition Instead of Traditional Rewards
For the latest edition, the reward structure appears to have changed. Unlike the previous competition, current details do not mention a monetary prize for the selected artist. Instead, the primary recognition offered is the opportunity to have the winning creation projected onto the world’s tallest building.
For many artists, having their work displayed on the Burj Khalifa represents a significant achievement and a chance to gain worldwide visibility. The landmark attracts millions of visitors each year, meaning selected creators will have their work experienced by a diverse international audience.
A Platform for Creativity and Innovation
The projection design challenge reflects Dubai’s ongoing efforts to support creativity, technology, and artistic innovation. By turning the Burj Khalifa into a platform for digital storytelling, the initiative creates a unique connection between architecture and contemporary art.
Artists participating in the competition are encouraged to think beyond traditional formats and explore how sound, movement, colour, and visual effects can work together to create an engaging experience. The challenge is not only about designing an attractive image but also about creating a memorable performance that connects with viewers.
The Burj Khalifa’s facade has previously hosted numerous large-scale light shows, celebrations, and artistic displays, making it one of the most recognisable locations for visual performances worldwide. The latest initiative gives artists an opportunity to contribute to this growing collection of landmark experiences.
Important Submission Requirements
Artists planning to participate should carefully review the competition guidelines before preparing their entries. Submissions are expected to demonstrate originality, creativity, and technical understanding of projection-based artwork.
Participants should ensure their concepts are suitable for presentation on a large architectural surface and consider how their designs will appear when transformed from a digital concept into a real-world projection experience.
The competition focuses on original artistic ideas, and creators should ensure that their submissions reflect their own work and creative direction.
A Chance to Become Part of Dubai’s Iconic Skyline
For aspiring artists and experienced designers alike, the opportunity represents a rare chance to have their creativity become part of Dubai’s skyline. The Burj Khalifa is recognised worldwide as a symbol of ambition, innovation, and architectural excellence, and displaying artwork on its facade offers a level of exposure few creative platforms can provide.
As Dubai continues to establish itself as a global centre for art, technology, and entertainment, initiatives such as this provide new ways for artists to connect with audiences on an international scale.
With submissions now open, creatives around the world have the chance to imagine, design, and potentially transform the Burj Khalifa into a reflection of their artistic vision.
How to Participate in the Burj Khalifa Projection Design Open Call
Artists who wish to take part in Emaar’s latest projection design competition should carefully prepare their entries to ensure they meet all of the submission requirements. The competition is looking for original audio-visual concepts that can be transformed into a large-scale projection on the facade of the Burj Khalifa, giving creatives an opportunity to showcase their work on one of the world’s most recognised landmarks.
Before submitting an entry, participants should make sure every element of their project follows the competition guidelines, from the technical specifications of the files to the originality of the creative content.
Create an Original Three-Minute Projection Concept
Every submission must feature a complete audio-visual presentation with a total duration of three minutes. Participants are encouraged to develop an engaging concept that combines visual storytelling, animation, graphics, colour, motion, and sound into a seamless experience suitable for projection on the Burj Khalifa’s exterior.
The organisers are looking for designs that are imaginative, visually compelling, and capable of making an impact when displayed across the building’s massive facade. Artists should think carefully about how their ideas will appear on such a large architectural surface and design their visuals accordingly.
Prepare the Required Files
Applicants are required to submit more than one file as part of their entry package.
The first file should be an MP4 preview version of the project. This preview must include the complete video together with its accompanying music or soundtrack, allowing the organisers to review the overall creative concept exactly as intended.
In addition to the preview, participants must also provide a high-resolution MOV version of the projection. This file serves as the master version that would be used if the design is selected for display on the Burj Khalifa.
A separate audio file must also be included with the submission. Providing the soundtrack independently ensures the organisers have access to high-quality audio during the production process.
Submitting all required materials in the requested formats will help ensure that entries can be reviewed without technical issues.
Ensure All Content Is Original
One of the most important requirements of the competition is originality. Every visual element, animation, illustration, graphic, and musical component included in the submission must be created by the participant or used with the necessary rights.
The organisers specify that all content must be free from copyright restrictions. Entries containing copyrighted material without permission may not meet the competition requirements.
Artists are therefore encouraged to create completely original designs and soundtracks or use materials that are fully licensed for this purpose.
Include a Written Concept Statement
Alongside the visual submission, each participant must provide a written explanation describing the creative thinking behind the project.
The concept note should not exceed 300 words and should clearly explain the inspiration, artistic vision, message, and storytelling approach used in the design.
This written summary allows the judging panel to better understand the ideas behind the artwork, the emotions the creator intends to communicate, and how the concept reflects innovation, creativity, or the spirit of Dubai.
A well-written concept statement can help place the visual presentation into context and demonstrate the purpose behind the creative work.
Respect UAE Cultural Values
Entries should be designed with consideration for the cultural traditions and values of the United Arab Emirates.
The organisers are seeking projection concepts that are visually exciting while remaining respectful and appropriate for public display on one of the country’s best-known landmarks.
Participants should ensure that their artwork reflects positive themes and avoids content that may conflict with local cultural expectations.
Artificial Intelligence-Generated Designs Are Not Accepted
The competition places strong emphasis on authentic human creativity.
According to the submission guidelines, artwork produced using artificial intelligence image generators or other AI-based creative tools is not eligible for consideration.
Projects identified as AI-generated may be removed from the competition and disqualified during the evaluation process.
Artists are therefore expected to submit work that represents their own original creative skills rather than content produced through automated systems.
Review Your Submission Before Sending
Before emailing the entry, participants should carefully check that every required document and media file has been included.
A complete submission should contain:
A three-minute MP4 preview featuring both visuals and integrated audio.
A high-quality MOV version prepared for projection.
A separate audio file.
A concept statement of no more than 300 words.
Original, copyright-compliant creative content.
Reviewing the files beforehand helps minimise the possibility of technical problems or missing information.
Submit Your Entry
Once all required materials have been prepared and checked, applicants can send their completed submission by email.
Entries should be emailed to opencall@emaar.ae before the submission deadline announced by the organisers.
Sending the application before the closing date is recommended to avoid any last-minute technical issues or delays.
For artists, designers, animators, and visual storytellers, this competition represents a rare opportunity to display original work on the Burj Khalifa’s internationally recognised facade. With careful preparation, attention to the submission guidelines, and a unique creative vision, participants can compete for the chance to see their designs become part of one of Dubai’s most iconic visual experiences.
Submission Guidelines, Evaluation Criteria, and Burj Khalifa’s Legacy of Visual Storytelling
Artists planning to participate in the Burj Khalifa projection design open call can access additional resources to help prepare their entries. A downloadable package containing technical requirements, project guidelines, and a detailed instruction manual has been made available for applicants. These resources are designed to help participants understand the expected format, production standards, and creative requirements before submitting their work.
The guidance materials provide important information about preparing projection content specifically for the Burj Khalifa’s unique facade. Since the artwork will be displayed on one of the world’s largest architectural surfaces, artists need to consider factors such as visual composition, resolution, file formats, and how their designs will translate onto the building’s structure.
Participants are encouraged to review all available instructions carefully before finalising their projects. Understanding the technical specifications in advance can help artists create content that not only meets the competition requirements but also delivers a strong visual experience when projected on the tower.
Once the artwork, supporting files, and concept explanation have been prepared, applicants can submit their entries through the official competition email channel. Completed submissions must be sent to opencall@emaar.ae before the announced closing date to be considered for evaluation.
Entrants can also find complete information about the competition rules, frequently asked questions, and additional details through the Open Call section available on the Burj Khalifa website. The official resources provide clarification on eligibility requirements, submission procedures, technical standards, and other important aspects of the competition.
How Entries Will Be Evaluated
According to the published competition guidelines, submissions will be assessed based on several key factors that determine the strength and suitability of each creative concept.
One of the main judging criteria is creativity. The organisers are looking for ideas that demonstrate imagination, fresh thinking, and the ability to transform a concept into an engaging visual experience. Artists are encouraged to explore innovative approaches that can capture the attention of audiences watching the projection.
Originality is another important element considered during the selection process. Judges will look for designs that present unique perspectives rather than repeating existing ideas. The competition aims to highlight individual artistic voices and discover concepts that bring something new to the Burj Khalifa’s ongoing tradition of visual displays.
The overall impact of the artwork will also play a major role in evaluation. Since the projection will be viewed by large audiences, successful entries should create a memorable experience through powerful imagery, storytelling, and emotional connection.
In addition to artistic qualities, judges will consider technical feasibility. A design may be visually impressive, but it must also be practical for large-scale projection on the Burj Khalifa facade. Artists need to ensure their concepts can be effectively adapted to the building’s structure and displayed with the required technical standards.
Requirement for Authentic Creative Work
The competition places strong importance on genuine artistic contribution. Designs created using artificial intelligence tools are not eligible for participation and will not be accepted as valid entries.
Any submission found to rely on AI-generated artwork may be removed from consideration and disqualified from the competition. This requirement ensures that the selected designs represent the creativity, skills, and personal vision of artists themselves.
Participants are therefore encouraged to focus on developing original concepts using their own creative processes, whether through animation, digital art, graphic design, motion graphics, or other artistic methods.
Burj Khalifa as a Global Stage for Creativity
Over the years, the Burj Khalifa has become much more than an architectural landmark. Its illuminated facade has evolved into a platform for storytelling, celebrations, and artistic expression, attracting worldwide attention through its large-scale visual presentations.
The tower has hosted numerous memorable displays that have transformed its exterior into a giant screen capable of sharing important messages and celebrating major occasions.
One notable example took place in 2018 when the Burj Khalifa featured a special video presentation marking the Sheikh Zayed Centennial. The visual display paid tribute to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the UAE’s Founding Father, celebrating his legacy and contributions to the nation’s development.
The landmark has also become a central part of major annual celebrations. Each year, its facade attracts global attention during events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations, when spectacular light shows and projection performances welcome the arrival of a new year.
The tower has also participated in awareness campaigns and international occasions, including International Women’s Day, where its illuminated displays have highlighted important social messages and celebrated achievements.
Continuing a Tradition of Innovation
The latest projection design competition builds on the Burj Khalifa’s long history of combining technology, architecture, and creativity. By inviting artists to contribute new ideas, the initiative continues the tradition of turning the landmark into a space where imagination and innovation can reach millions of people.
For participating artists, the opportunity represents more than a design competition. It offers a chance to become part of the Burj Khalifa’s visual history and contribute to the ongoing story of one of the world’s most recognisable buildings.
Through this initiative, Emaar continues to encourage creative talent while reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a destination where art, technology, and ambitious ideas come together on a global stage.
