The open call invites both established and emerging artists from across the UAE’s creative landscape to participate. Photo: Emaar
The open call invites both established and emerging artists from across the UAE’s creative landscape to participate. Photo: Emaar
The open call invites both established and emerging artists from across the UAE’s creative landscape to participate. Photo: Emaar
The open call invites both established and emerging artists from across the UAE’s creative landscape to participate. Photo: Emaar

Dh100,000 competition to design a Burj Khalifa projection extends deadline due to 'tremendous interest'


Razmig Bedirian
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Emaar has extended the submission deadline for the Burj Khalifa Projection Design Competition, citing “tremendous interest".

Creatives now have until June 26 to submit their proposals, giving artists living in the UAE more time to take part in what could shape up to be one of the year’s most anticipated public art opportunities.

The Dh100,000 competition invites participants to create original three-minute videos or animations that reflect on Dubai’s dynamic identity, while touching upon themes of innovation and creativity. Besides the six-figure cash prize, the winning design will be projected on the facade of the Burj Khalifa.

Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa for the new year 2025 celebration at Dubai Mall in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa for the new year 2025 celebration at Dubai Mall in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

The open call invites both established and emerging artists from across the UAE’s creative landscape to participate. It continues the growing tradition of transforming the world’s tallest tower into a medium of cultural expression – whether for national holidays, global awareness campaigns or artistic commissions.

The Burj Khalifa’s facade has been used to mark various occasions, including the Sheikh Zayed Centennial in 2018, where graphics and a video montage celebrated 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the UAE. It has also been routinely used during global holidays such as the New Year and International Women's Day.

“The true reward is something less tangible but far more lasting – global exposure, and the privilege of having one’s vision light up the night sky for millions to see,” Emaar said in a statement announcing the deadline extension.

Works should be submitted in MP4 and MOV formats, the former for preview purposes while the latter will be used as a final projection. The preview video must have integrated music, while a separate audio file should be submitted for the MOV format. Music used in the works should be copyright-free. Submissions should also be supplemented by a 300-word description detailing a work’s inspiration and concept.

The competition’s winner will be revealed on July 14.

More information about the competition, as well as detailed projection specifications, are available on the Burj Khalifa website. Submissions should be emailed to opencall@emaar.ae.

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Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

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Singapore

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Australia

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Saudi Arabia

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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

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THE BIO

Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13 

Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier

Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife 

What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents. 

Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Updated: May 27, 2025, 11:51 AM