Al Burda Award 2026 Opens Submissions for Islamic Art Design

Al Burda Award has evolved from a poetry-focused initiative in the UAE into a major platform for Islamic art and culture. Organizers are now placing greater emphasis on emerging artists, international collaboration, and contemporary interpretations of traditional art forms. Launched in 2004 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the award has honored more than 420 creatives from around the world across poetry, Arabic calligraphy, and ornamentation. Registration for the 2026 Al Burda Award is open until August 22. Judging will take place in September ahead of the award ceremony on November 24. Indonesia has been named guest of honor for the coming event, with organizers highlighting the country’s blend of Islamic, Javanese, Hindu, and Buddhist artistic traditions as an example of the diversity and global reach of Islamic art today.