From hovering abras to flying taxis, new award urges Emiratis to look to the future

The Emirati Futurism Award aims to stimulate public imagination and 'create a new representation of what the future holds'

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, watches the installation of the final piece of the facade of the Museum of the Future, in downtown Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends a ceremony to mark the completion of the facade of the Museum of the Future, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, attends the installation of the final piece of facade of the Museum of the Future, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The Museum of the Future was named one of the 14 most beautiful museums on the planet by 'National Geographic' magazine.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, as Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, looks on.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, views the facade of the Museum of the Future. The facade consists of 1,024 plates manufactured entirely by robots, a first-of-its-kind venture in the Middle East.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the installation of the final piece of facade of the Museum of the Future. The stainless steel facade extends over 17,000 square metres.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the installation of the final piece of facade of the Museum of the Future. The facade is illuminated by 14,000 metres of Arabic calligraphy, designed by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, stands in front of the spectacular facade of the Museum of the Future. Design and engineering software company Autodesk described the museum as one of the most innovative buildings in the world.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, stands in front of the Museum of the Future, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The ceremony for the installation of the final piece of the facade of the Museum of the Future. The seven-storey pillarless structure stands 77 metres tall.

The Museum of the Future will be home to a research centre with labs and classrooms, as well as showcasing exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attraction. Organisers say it will invite visitors to 'look beyond the present to the possible'.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the installation of the final piece of facade at the Museum of the Future. He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

A new competition to spark debate about what the future may hold for the UAE was launched on Saturday.

The Emirati Futurism Award is aimed at encouraging designers, artists and inventors to deliver their vision of how technology could thrust the country further into the future.

It aims to preserve Emirati culture and heritage, while creating glimpse of what future living may hold for millions of families.

A visual example to accompany the launch, by Dubai Culture and Dubai Future Foundation, features floating abras and aerial drones and taxis.

Khalfan Belhoul, chief executive of Dubai Future Foundation, a think tank, said he hoped the award would "accelerate the adoption of technologies and digital transformation and create a positive shift in the UAE’s arts and culture sector, while preserving the distinctive features of the country’s values and heritage".

The competition comprises seven categories including: Architecture and Urbanism; Fashion and Jewellery; Product and Industrial Design; Photography and Graphic Design; Film and Animation; Music and Performing Arts; and Fine Arts.

The winner of each competition category will walk away with cash prizes. Additionally, the seven winners and seven runners-up will receive internship opportunities at various organisations. The competition also includes an Honourable Mention and People’s Choice Award.

Entrants will also receive exhibition and retail opportunities at the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The Emirati Futurism Award is open to all citizens and residents of the UAE. You can apply at https://www.dubaifuture.ae/emirati-futurism-award/.