Artists Can Now Apply to Have Their Work Displayed on Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa, located in Downtown Dubai, is once again calling on artists, designers, and creatives from the UAE and around the world to submit their ideas for a new projection on the famous landmark. Emaar has officially reopened its Burj Khalifa Open Call for 2026, giving one artist the opportunity to showcase their work to millions of visitors.
The Competition
The competition is looking for an original three-minute audio-visual projection that reflects Dubai’s creativity, innovation, and artistic spirit. The winning design will be displayed on the Burj Khalifa’s exterior, offering the winner a chance to have their work seen on a global stage.To enter, artists will need to submit a 3-minute final video, an MP4 preview with embedded music, a high-resolution MOV projection file, and a 300-word concept note outlining the idea and inspiration. Submissions are now open and will be accepted until Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:59pm. Artists can email their submissions to opencall@emaar.ae.
This year, the incentive for participating lies in the visibility of having original work projected across one of the most recognized skyline landmarks globally, rather than a monetary prize. The shift marks a notable change from the 2025 edition, which was limited to UAE residents, signaling Emaar’s push toward a more global creative footprint.
The Burj Khalifa Open Call is a compelling case study in how iconic landmarks can be used to promote creativity and innovation. With the competition now open to artists from around the world, it will be interesting to see the diverse range of submissions and the final winning design that will be displayed on the Burj Khalifa’s facade.
In the heart of Dubai, this competition is set to bring the community together, showcasing the city’s vibrant artistic spirit. As the submission deadline approaches, artists are encouraged to take part in this unique opportunity to have their work displayed on the world’s tallest building.
