Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Salik Company PJSC, the exclusive toll gate operator in Dubai, has teamed up with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority to introduce a nationwide art competition aimed at reimagining Salik tags through culturally inspired designs. The contest, titled “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes,” is open to artists, designers, students, and aspiring creatives who can submit original artwork reflecting their unique perspective on Dubai. This initiative emphasizes the emirate’s diverse culture, modern character, and rich artistic heritage.
This competition presents a valuable opportunity for the community to actively participate in enhancing a product commonly used by countless drivers throughout the city. The organizers envision transforming Salik tags from mere toll devices into artistic canvases that narrate Dubai’s story, successes, and innovative spirit. The redesigned tags are intended to depict not only Dubai as a commercial hub but also as a vibrant arts and culture nexus.
Avenue for Creative Expression Across the UAE
Submissions are open until 19 January 2026, providing ample time for participants to hone their ideas and prepare their entries. Designs should be fresh and original, showcasing artistic creativity while honoring local customs and values. Previously exhibited, published, or produced entries are prohibited to ensure a focus on new and innovative designs.
Winners will be announced at the 14th Sikka Art & Design Festival, which will take place from 23 January to 1 February 2026, in the historic Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. This venue is renowned for its cultural significance and serves as an ideal backdrop for merging history with contemporary art.
The competition boasts a cash prize pool of AED 100,000 (USD 27,000). The first-place winner will receive USD 15,000, the second-place winner USD 7,000, and the third-place winner USD 5,000. This initiative represents one of the most rewarding design competitions in Dubai, signaling Salik and Dubai Culture’s dedication to fostering local talent and innovation.
Driving the Vision Behind the Contest
The primary goal of this contest is to enhance Dubai’s creative environment. It seeks to nurture artistic talents, encourage innovation, and inspire young creatives to explore their potential. Beyond promoting community engagement in the arts, the initiative aligns with Dubai’s aspirations to become a leading cultural center of global significance.
Mr. Ibrahim Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, emphasized that the initiative transcends aesthetics. He noted the vital role that art plays in shaping Dubai’s future and fostering innovation. By redesigning a product integral to daily transport, the competition connects cultural elements with smart mobility and urban development.
He added that this project aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, enhancing the legacy of “Erth Dubai.” The collaboration aims to create progressive and sustainable solutions while providing young artists the chance to impact public products. Everyone, from students to accomplished designers, is encouraged to partake.
Enhancing Dubai’s Cultural Identity Through Art
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, remarked on the contest’s role in strengthening Dubai’s cultural identity. Art is a profound expression of a city’s essence, and allowing artists to express their interpretations of Dubai will broaden the emirate’s creative landscape. She believes this contest will contribute to new cultural narratives and increase appreciation for artistic expressions among the community.
Her vision promotes the inclusion of diverse artistic voices, fostering cultural dialogue and ensuring art remains accessible. By inviting various contributors, such as calligraphers, street artists, and designers, Dubai Culture aims to create a lively and inclusive contest environment. The themes explored may range from modern interpretations to historic and traditional elements.
Revamping Public Engagement and Branding
The redesigned Salik tags will not only refresh the existing system but also enhance public interaction with a familiar device. By transforming these tags into small art pieces, the initiative aims to increase community engagement and add cultural significance to an object used daily by countless vehicles.
Salik also plans to diversify its design library, offering customers more variety going forward. This could lead to seasonal editions, limited releases, or designs inspired by local festivals. Ultimately, this initiative will strengthen the public’s connection to the brand and its identity.
Spotlighting Emerging Talent
The competition is poised to attract not just established artists but also students from educational institutions, self-taught designers, and grassroots artists. The goal is to provide newcomers with the recognition and encouragement needed to advance in their artistic endeavors.
With significant cash prizes at stake, many participants may find winning to be a strong motivator, but for others, the opportunity to have their designs featured across Dubai will be an even more substantial reward. Witnessing their art displayed on thousands of vehicles will become a powerful accomplishment for many.
Fostering a Future of Creativity in Dubai
Dubai’s leadership frequently highlights innovation as a national asset, and this contest reinforces that creativity extends beyond technology and business confines. By integrating art into essential services, the emirate illustrates that creativity is fundamental to its smart mobility and urban living vision.
The “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes” competition offers participants the freedom to design unrestricted by tight constraints. Whether drawing inspiration from the iconic skyline, the city’s diverse population, its desert roots, or modern advances, participants are encouraged to share their unique vision.
This competition transcends a mere design challenge; it invites the creative community to help forge a visual identity, deepen cultural appreciation, and redefine everyday objects into meaningful carriers of expression. By intertwining art and daily commuting, the initiative connects Dubai’s contemporary urban environment with its artistic heritage.
Artists wishing to participate are advised to prepare their submissions early and to focus on themes that resonate with Dubai’s evolution, cultural heritage, and aspirations.
As Dubai continues on its journey of transformation, the “Erth Dubai Through Your Eyes” contest serves as an open invitation for creators to contribute to the city’s cultural narrative—one toll tag at a time.
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