Manal Saleh 


 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 22 October 2026: How can art help us imagine a more resilient future? Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is inviting digital artists worldwide to explore this question through its fourth Global Digital Art Competition.

 

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, hosted by Masdar, invites artists aged 18 and above to submit original digital works. Entries close on 16 November 2026. One winner and two finalists will be recognized in Abu Dhabi on 13 January during ADSW 2027, and their work will be showcased at the event.

 

The competition reflects the ADSW 2027 theme, “Securing Systems. Sustaining Growth.” It challenges artists to explore how creativity, technology and human imagination can help build a more resilient and prosperous future.

 


The competition is part of ADSW’s wider Arts and Culture program. Through digital art, artists can bring sustainability topics to life, offering new perspectives and engaging audiences in new ways. Artists may respond to one or more of ADSW’s five thematic pillars: Future Energy Systems, Advanced Technology and AI, Water, Food and Resource Security, Investment and Infrastructure, and Human Development and Prosperity.




Submissions may include static or moving-image works, interactive and generative art, immersive experiences and web-based pieces. Artists must identify any AI, generative or creative-coding tools used and explain their contribution to the work.



 


Submissions will be assessed by a panel of leading voices from the international arts community: Dyala Nusseibeh, Director, Frieze Abu Dhabi; Kawthar Bin Sulayem, Founder and CEO of District1795; Hamad Al Shamsi, Artist; Anna Magritskaya, Managing Director, Theatre of Digital Art; Khawla Abou Saleh, Visual Artist and Creative Director; and Diaa Allam, Calligraphy Artist. The panel will consider concept, artistic vision and originality, impact, representation and accessibility.

 

Entries close on 16 November 2026. Full guidelines and submissions: https://abudhabisustainabilityweek.com/en/digital-art-competition/apply-now. For more information and the latest updates, follow ADSW on social media: Instagram @adswagenda, X @ADSWagenda, and LinkedIn.

 

The competition is organized in partnership with District1795, MENA’s first tech ecosystem dedicated to arts and culture, building the digital infrastructure behind the region’s creative economy.

 

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About the competition

·        The 2027 edition is the fourth ADSW Global Digital Art Competition and is open to digital artists worldwide aged 18 and above.

·        One winner and two finalists will be recognized at ADSW 2027.

·        Entries will be assessed on concept, artistic vision and originality, impact, representation and accessibility.

·        The selection panel comprises:

o   Dyala Nusseibeh, Director, Frieze Abu Dhabi

o   Kawthar Bin Sulayem, Founder and CEO of District1795

o   Hamad Al Shamsi, Artist

o   Anna Magritskaya, Managing Director, Theatre of Digital Art

o   Khawla Abou Saleh, Visual Artist and Creative Director

o   Diaa Allam, Calligraphy Artist

·        Artists may submit static and moving-image works, interactive or generative art, immersive experiences and web-based pieces.

·        Artists must disclose any AI, generative or creative-coding tools used and describe their role in creating the work.

·        The competition forms part of ADSW 2027’s wider Arts and Culture program, which brings together digital creativity, sustainable art, curated exhibitions and conscious fashion.

 

Recognition and display

The winner and two finalists will be recognized at an awards ceremony during the ADSW Summit on 13 January, as part of ADSW 2027. Their works will be displayed on the main screen and onsite throughout ADSW 2027 as part of the wider Arts and Culture program.

 

Economy-class airfare and hotel accommodation will be provided to the winner and finalists, and the winner will receive a trophy. All participants will receive a complimentary one-year membership to District1795. The three finalists will be featured on the District1795 platform, and the winner will deliver a practice class that will stay on the District1795 platform for members to view.

 

ADSW 2027 thematic pillars

·        Future Energy Systems

·        Advanced Technology and AI

·        Water, Food and Resource Security

·        Investment and Infrastructure

·        Human Development and Prosperity

 

About Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is the global platform for resilient growth, enduring partnership and progress built to withstand pressure. ADSW operates year-round, bringing together leaders across government, business, finance, technology and civil society to shape the foundations of the future economy.

 

Hosted by Masdar, ADSW convenes decision-makers to forge partnerships, mobilize investment and advance practical solutions across energy, technology, water, nature, food and industrial transformation. For nearly two decades, ADSW has connected policy, capital and innovation to turn ambition into action and strengthen long-term economic resilience.

 

About Masdar

Established in 2006, Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is leading the global energy transformation by investing in, developing and operating renewable energy projects that deliver commercial returns while providing reliable, affordable clean power worldwide. 

 

With over 20 years’ experience in renewables, Masdar has a diverse, derisked portfolio totaling over 65 gigawatts (GW) globally, including the world’s fastest-growing energy markets.

 

Jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC and Mubadala, Masdar is driving the scale-up of renewables worldwide, targeting a portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030.