Abu dhabi: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has initiated the 'Stories of Wulfa' competition, which aims to produce an animated series rooted in Emirati culture, values, and traditions. The competition offers a substantial prize of AED2 million to fund the development, production, and exhibition of the winning project as part of the 'Season of Wulfa.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the competition seeks to empower creatives and support the creation of original visual content that bolsters local cultural identity. Dubai Culture is inviting submissions from artists, writers, illustrators, directors, designers, filmmakers, animation studios, production companies, and creative teams from both local and international backgrounds, with a deadline of 15 November 2026.
The planned series will comprise 15 episodes, each approximately 20 minutes in length. The content can draw from various themes, including everyday life, family dynamics, hospitality customs, 'Hag Al Laila', Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha celebrations, majlises, heritage, folk stories and games, and historical personalities.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized that investing in original content is crucial for the advancement of cultural and creative industries and is vital for the animation sector's growth. She reiterated the Authority's dedication to nurturing local talent and encouraging them to transform Emirati cultural heritage into original creative works that can compete on a regional and global scale.
Submissions will be evaluated based on criteria such as storytelling quality, cultural authenticity and originality, visual direction and character development, production readiness, and potential for broadcast.