Dubai: Emaar has announced the return of its Burj Khalifa Open Call, inviting artists, designers, and creative professionals from the UAE and around the world to submit original projection designs for the iconic façade of the Burj Khalifa.

The competition offers participants the opportunity to have their artwork displayed on the world's tallest building, providing international exposure on one of Dubai's most recognizable landmarks.

Announcing the initiative on its official social media platforms, Emaar encouraged creatives to showcase their talent, stating that the next projection on the Burj Khalifa could feature their signature work.

According to the competition brief, participants are required to create a three-minute audio-visual projection that reflects innovation, artistic excellence, and the vibrant spirit of Dubai. The selected work will be projected on the Burj Khalifa, offering the winning artist a unique platform to present their creativity to a global audience.

The submission window opened on July 8, 2026, and will remain open until August 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Applicants must ensure that all submitted content is original, culturally appropriate, and free from copyright infringement. This applies to both the visual elements and the accompanying music.

For submissions, artists are required to provide a preview video in MP4 format, while the final projection file must be delivered in MOV format. The preview should include integrated music, and a separate copyright-free audio file must also be submitted. In addition, participants must include a concept note of up to 300 words explaining the inspiration and creative vision behind their design.

Emaar has also made available a downloadable technical template and guidance manual to assist participants in meeting the projection specifications.

Interested artists can submit their entries by emailing their video and concept description to [email protected] before the closing date.

Unlike the previous edition of the competition, the 2026 Open Call does not mention a cash prize. The official listing identifies the opportunity to have the winning artwork projected onto the Burj Khalifa as the primary reward.

In contrast, the 2025 edition offered a Dh100,000 cash prize in addition to the public projection. This year's competition has also expanded its reach, welcoming entries from artists worldwide, whereas last year's contest was limited to UAE residents.

By extending both the eligibility criteria and the submission period, Emaar aims to attract a broader international pool of creative talent. While no monetary award has been announced, the opportunity to showcase artwork on one of the world's most famous architectural landmarks is expected to draw significant interest from artists across the globe.