Post by : Bianca Suleiman
Salik Company PJSC, the exclusive toll operator in Dubai, has initiated an engaging art contest in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Named “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes,” this competition invites artists, designers, students, and creative individuals to reinterpret Salik tags by expressing their artistic views of Dubai. It emphasizes the emirate's rich cultural diversity and artistic heritage.
This event provides a unique platform for the community to contribute to a product utilized daily by numerous drivers. The aim is for the Salik tags to transcend their basic functionality, evolving into artworks that reflect Dubai's achievements, ambitions, and spirit. The forthcoming designs are envisaged as representations of Dubai not solely as an economic hub but also as a lively center of creativity.
A New Platform for Artistic Expression
Artists have until 19 January 2026 to submit their original designs, which must be both contemporary and respectful of local cultural values. Previous works that have been exhibited or published are not admissible, ensuring a fresh array of creativity.
Winners will be announced during the 14th Sikka Art & Design Festival, taking place from 23 January to 1 February 2026, at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, a culturally rich venue ideal for unveiling collaborative art that marries history and modernity.
The competition boasts an impressive prize pool of AED 100,000 (USD 27,000): the top prize includes USD 15,000 for first place, USD 7,000 for second, and USD 5,000 for third. This provides a valuable incentive for local talents and contributors.
Supporting Dubai's Creative Vision
The primary goal of the contest is to enrich Dubai’s artistic scene, encouraging creativity and innovation among its participants. It aims to foster public engagement in the arts while reinforcing Dubai's ambition of emerging as a global cultural hub.
CEO of Salik, Mr. Ibrahim Al Haddad, emphasized that this initiative goes beyond mere aesthetics, linking daily transportation tools with cultural significance and urban development. He noted that it aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, promoting smart solutions and offering budding artists a chance to influence practical applications in public life.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the competition is vital for promoting Dubai’s cultural identity. By allowing artists to reinterpret the city, the project promises to broaden the creative spectrum and appreciation for art among both residents and tourists.
The competition aims to engage a diverse array of participants, including students and grassroots artists, providing them a platform to gain recognition and develop their careers. The prospect of displaying their work across the city offers a meaningful opportunity for many.
Fueling Creativity for a Bright Future
With innovation as a national priority in Dubai, this competition exemplifies the essence of creativity, merging artistic expression with urban functionality. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from Dubai’s dynamic skyline, thriving multiculturalism, and rich heritage, contributing to a broader artistic narrative.
More than just a design contest, this initiative serves as a call for creative minds to enhance the visual representation of Dubai through their artwork. By transforming everyday items into expressions of culture, the program seeks to establish a deeper connection between the city’s contemporary landscape and its artistic heritage.
As Dubai continues on its path of growth and evolution, the “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes” contest stands as an open invitation for artists to shape the city’s cultural future—one toll tag at a time.
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