Dubai’s premier fresh-food destination, the Waterfront Market, announces its collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority for the highly anticipated Murals and Art Competition. With six successful years of showcasing artistic talent in the emirate, the competition reaffirms the Waterfront Market's commitment to celebrating and supporting local homegrown talent and contributing to the vibrant arts scene in Dubai.

The theme for this year’s competition, ‘Art for Change’, aligns with the forthcoming COP28 event in Dubai and its vision to create a more sustainable world. Additionally, this theme supports the government’s declaration of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’ and aligns with the country’s commitment to promoting positive environmental change. Artists participating in this year’s competition are encouraged to channel their creativity through powerful murals, employing their art as a catalyst for change and raising awareness about pressing environmental challenges. This opportunity allows them to promote sustainability and inspire actions toward a more eco-conscious and sustainable world.

The winning artist will be awarded a valuable prize of AED 30,000 and the opportunity to showcase their mural at the Waterfront Market as part of the coveted Dubai Art Season (DAS) 2024, organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Additionally, the competition winner will have their mural displayed permanently at the Waterfront Market, alongside murals created by previous year's winners, offering the public a chance to admire and appreciate their artwork indefinitely.

Mohammad Al Madani, Waterfront Market Manager, said: “This year's theme focuses on harnessing the power of art to drive positive change in society, while raising awareness and advocating for urgent environmental issues in alignment with COP28, scheduled to take place in Dubai later this year. We are thrilled to witness the incredible artworks that will be brought to life by our talented local artists and eagerly await the winner's mural, which will be proudly displayed at a prominent location at the Waterfront Market and celebrated as part of Dubai Art Season (DAS) 2024.”

A panel of judges carefully selected for their passion in supporting and growing the local art scene including Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, Maitha Al Marri, and Lachlan Gyde, Executive Director – Asset Manager, Nakheel will select the winner of the Waterfront Market Murals and Art Competition.

Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, said: “The Murals and Art Competition exemplifies our joint dedication to fostering a platform that empowers creatives in their expressions in a time of major environmental considerations. The competition’s focus on promoting positive change and advocating sustainability through art is commendable and aligns perfectly with the larger vision of artistic engagement in society. I wholeheartedly encourage all creative individuals to seize this opportunity and contribute to this discourse. By sharing your talent and vision, you play an integral role in shaping a more vibrant and sustainable future through art.”

The Waterfront Market’s Murals and Art yearly competition has been a resounding success for the past six years, with its positive aim of bringing communities together, supporting local creatives, and fostering meaningful connections among budding artists and art enthusiasts from all over the UAE to nurture the thriving creative community. 

Supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Murals and Art Competition exemplifies the Waterfront Market's unwavering commitment to its constituents by providing a platform for artists to unleash their creativity, address environmental issues, and catalyze meaningful discussions and actions.