Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have just launched an open call, inviting artists from across the tiny Gulf nation to transform
Dubai’s public tunnels into large-scale immersive art galleries.
Part of the wider Dubai Tunnels Initiative, the project aims to reimagine more than 40 pedestrian crossings across the city, turning often-overlooked transit spaces into visually striking landmarks.
From what we know, the program has already been underway for some time, with two earlier phases now completed that saw works commissioned by Emirati artists Maryam Al Hathboor and Safeya Sharif. It was also reported that the initiative aligns itself with Dubai’s already existing 2040 Urban Master Plan; a long-term strategy focused on building a more sustainable, accessible, and culturally driven urban environment.
There are no strict requirements beyond submitting a proposed art concept, including a pitch explaining the idea behind it, and an explanation as to why the work feels relevant to Dubai’s public landscape and why you should be the one bringing it to life. Applications are open until June 15, 2026.