About NBF
National Bank of Fujairah is one of the most well-respected corporate banks in the UAE and is renowned for its award-winning services. NBF offers a wide range of banking and financial services while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility and current global issues. This philosophy inspired the NBF Art Prize, which celebrates the nation’s emerging art scene while also serving as a platform to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and instill a sense of responsibility within our society.
This nationwide initiative invites artists to share their artistic expression and unique perspective in the form of artwork in response to a compelling theme or topic. NBF believes that art has the power to inspire meaningful change in the world.
Art as a medium for change
This competition forms part of our commitment to ESG (Environmental Social and Governance) principles by empowering the nation’s emerging art scene. NBF believes in the transformative power of art and its ability to start conversations and inspire change. Through this initiative, we aim to nurture the UAE’s creative industry and inspire collective action toward a better future.
we are demonstrating our commitment to ESG (Environmental Social and Governance) values. NBF believes in the transformational power of art as well as its potential to spark dialogue and promote change. We hope to nurture the UAE's creative industry and encourage collaborative action toward a brighter future through this effort
Different stories, one essence
Each individual spark contributes to the radiance of our shared humanity, illuminating the beauty of diversity and the strength found in togetherness.
To belong is not to conform but to connect. It is the harmony that rises when every colour, every voice, and every story finds its place within the collective whole, where we bloom in our own colours yet share the same sun and sky.
We Belong Here is a statement, a question, and a collective declaration in today’s shifting world. It reminds us that unity is not uniformity, it is about being ourselves together. Our differences do not divide us; they define the rhythm of our shared heartbeat.
Through this theme, we invite artists to explore the power of belonging, the spaces we create, the identities we share, and the connections that root us. Through form, colour, and voice, this open call celebrates diversity as unity and honours the world we shape together, one built on empathy, creativity, and care.
One world. Many stories. All belong.
Guidelines
01
Who can apply
The NBF Art Prize welcomes applications from all emerging artists who are 18 years of age or older and residents of the UAE. A valid UAE Emirates ID is required to claim the prize.
02
Artists used the theme as a guide
Artists are invited to showcase their artwork using the theme 'We Belong Here' as a starting point to explore ideas of identity, belonging, and inclusion through creative expression.
03
What to submit
Artists can share their unique perspectives in the medium of their choice including:
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Drawing/ Sketching
- Digital art
04
How to enter
Artists can submit their artworks by filling out the submission form. All required fields must be completed to successfully submit artwork for the NBF Art Prize 2025-26. Submissions close on January 30, 2026.
05
Artwork evaluation
The Selection Committee guarantees that all entries are evaluated fairly by carefully reviewing and scoring them based on predefined technical criteria. From this process, the top ten finalists will be shortlisted. The top three winning artists will have the opportunity to engage in individual mentorship sessions with the distinguished judges, who are well known figures in the UAE art community.
06
Prizes & Recognitions
Artists can unlock their artistic potential and compete for incredible rewards, exclusive mentorship, and recognition in the world of creativity.
- 1st Place: AED 10,000
- 2nd Place: AED 5,000
- 3rd Place: AED 3,000
- The top 3 winning artists receive a mentoring session with the esteemed judges.
- The top 30 artworks are displayed at a renowned art venue and also featured on the NBF website.
- The top 10 creative artworks receive the 'Most Creative Artwork of the Year' certificate, endorsed by the judges.
Art Advisor
Patricia Millns FRSA
Artist, Advisor Creative Industries
Patricia Millns is an artist, advisor, and mentor with degrees in Fine Art and an MA in Art and Design History. Elected Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts London (FRSA) and a member of IAPA and UNESCO. With a studio established in the Middle East for four decades, her practice, rooted in the study of Islamic arts, explores cultural significance and identity through a meditative, repetitive, minimal approach.
She is also an Elected Societaire of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SNBA) and serves as an Ambassador for Dubai Design District. Her accolades include the UAE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and the UAE Gold Visa for Services to Arts and Culture in 2019.
She has represented the UK at the United Nations (UN) in New York, at Women of the World events, and at Biennials in Beijing, China; Sharjah; Cairo; and Syria. Additionally, she was commissioned by the British Council for the UAE State Visit of late HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Her works are held in private collections both regionally and internationally.
Judges of NBF Art 2025-26
Khalil Abdul Wahid
Director, Fine Arts Department, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
Khalil Abdul Wahid is a renowned artist who began his artistic career under the tutelage of the late Emirati artist Hassan Sharif at Al Marsam Al Hur, an atelier established by Sharif in the 1980s. Inspired by this privileged learning experience, Khalil committed to developing his own practice while also passing on his knowledge to the next generation through teaching roles in the atelier.
He has exhibited his work in group shows both locally and internationally, including prominent events such as FotoFest International's 'View From Inside' and the National Museum of Denmark's 'Sharjah: Art from the Emirates'. Khalil has also contributed to the annual exhibitions organized by the Emirates Fine Arts Society.
Currently, he serves as the Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, where he is actively involved in diverse projects that cultivate the UAE’s artistic community. Though his dedication to education and artistic development has often taken precedence over his personal practice, he continues to pursue two distinct artistic paths: painting, characterized by strong colors on dark backgrounds, and experimental video works that express cultural and environmental themes.
Mara Firetti
Mara Firetti is the Founder of Firetti Contemporary, a Dubai-based art gallery dedicated to fostering dialogue through contemporary art and promoting international artists. With over twenty years of experience as an art advisor and artist promoter, Mara has developed a distinctive curatorial vision that bridges culture, luxury, and creativity. She is deeply committed to supporting artists from the region and giving them international exposure, creating opportunities for their voices to resonate globally. Passionate about cultural exchange and education, Mara continues to champion initiatives that use art as a means of understanding and unity across communities.
Sumayyah Al Suwaidi
Art Curator
Sumayyah Al Suwaidi began her curator career in 2007 when she curated her own solo exhibition at Ghaf Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi and since then she went ahead to curate many group exhibitions featuring pioneer Emirati Artists and many established resident Artists, these group exhibitions elevated her career as a curator and had her debut her first international curated art exhibition featuring Emirati Artists at Assilah Festival in Morocco in the year 2010. her love and passion for curation grew to the extend of having 3 annual exhibitions since 2007 in which Artists and art lovers alike are always eager to be a part of them such as; Express Yourself in 30x30, Ramadan Art Bazaar and Dress The Mannequin.
Sumayyah has curated many art exhibitions for the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi from the year 2013 until present, such as Common Ground and Maheerah to name a few, moreover she curated Exhibitions for Mubadala and The Martyrs’ Families Affairs Office Abu Dhabi.
Her vast experience in the Arts gave her an extensive knowledge and network within the Artists communities in the UAE from students to UAE based international Artists. Making her one of the leading Emirati curators in the country and known for her continuous support for Artists from all walks of life.
Engagement/Broadcast Partner
Ahmad Alrashid
A Kuwaiti Creative Strategist, Art Curator and Cultural Leader, Founder of Talkative For Fine Art Consultancies.
Celebrated for shaping cutting edge cultural programs, spotting emerging creative voices and nurturing inclusive artistic communities with sincerity and purpose.
Today he serves as Senior Programming and Cultural Events Manager at Al Shindagha Museum, where he continues to champion heritage and contemporary creativity side by side, a panel/events moderator and He also produces the art and culture podcast Talkative with Ahmad, is a member of the NBF Art Competition,
Our winners - 2024
Scroll through our gallery to view artwork from some of our previous talented winners
NBF Art
Artist Testimonials
Discover the diverse world of artistry as our talented artists share their NBF Art journey across a wide range of creative mediums. Get inspired by their stories, passion, and dedication.
Artist
MAITHA SALMAN BUSHELAIBI
Artist
MOHAMED HUSSEIN
Artist
SHABIR AHMED MIR
Submission form
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