• February 21, 2025 – Deadline for video submissions for Round I.
• March 21, 2025 – Announcement of the results of Round I and Schedule of Performances for the next Round.
• April 21, 2025 – Steinway Hall, Dubai – Contest Opening Ceremony.
• April 21-25, 2025 – Competition / Adjudication – Steinway Hall, Dubai.
• April 23-24, 2025 – Announcement of the results of Round II for participation and Schedule of Performances for the Final Round.
• April 25, 2025 – Awards Ceremony – Steinway Hall, Dubai.
• April 27, 2025 –  Gala Concert – Dubai Opera Studio, Dubai.

• The Competition is dedicated to the discipline of piano.
• Participation in the Competition is free of charge.
• Travel, accommodation, and additional expenses of the Contestants will not be covered by the Organiser.
• The auditions for both the second and Final Rounds along with the Opening Ceremony will be hosted at the Steinway Hall, Dubai. Award Ceremony & Gala Concert will be held at the Dubai Opera Studio.
• The Competition reserves the right to make changes to the rules, prizes, or schedule as necessary.

• All children up to the age of 17 (Classical Music Category) and Emirati up to the age of 17 ( Emirati Talents Category) in the GCC region are invited to participate. If an applicant turns 18 years old before April 25, 2025, they may still participate in the competition, provided they are 17 years old at the time of application.

• Applicants should select their competition age category based on their age as of February 21, 2025.

• The Competition consists of 3 Rounds where Round I is held online, Rounds II and Final Round are held publicly.
• The jury panel will evaluate performances by awarding up to 50 points per round in the Classical Music Category and 40 points per round in the Emirati Talents Category.
• Points of each Rounds are not added to the points of the following rounds and have effect on the results of the present Round only.
• The number of Contestants in the Rounds will depend on the Jury’s decision.
• If any selected Contestant is unable to participate in the Competition, they will be replaced by the next-in-line Contestant.

• The contestants are free to choose their repertoire while observing the period, style, and time restrictions.
• All pieces should be performed from memory.
• If a Contestant chooses to present several pieces in one Round, they should be contrasting in character.
• No pieces may be repeated in the Subsequent Rounds for the Classical Music Category, while pieces can be repeated in the Emirati Talents Category.

• During the recording session, Contestants should announce their Full Name, Age, Competition category, and the Program they will perform.
• If Contestants are unable to introduce themselves, an adult may assist them.
• The Contestant shall ensure that hands, face, feet, and the keyboard are clearly visible in the recording.
• The recording should be captured in one continuous shot without any edits or alterations.

• The Jury Panel consists of various international and local professors, musicians, and Emirati composers. Each jury member is prohibited from judging in more than one competition category.
• There are two Heads of Juries, one for each category, appointed by the Organizer. Duties of the Head of the Jury include presiding over the Jury’s work and representing the Jury when announcing results. In special occasions where candidates are tied after evaluation, the Head of Jury will cast the deciding vote.
• The evaluation of the contestants must be fair and impartial, based on the criteria of Musicianship, Technique, Sound Quality, and Program Choice and Diversity. This evaluation should be carried out by the judges themselves, without appointing a representative or any other third party to perform the task.
• The Judge is prohibited from evaluating any contestant who is or has been their student, either in a formal educational setting or in a private capacity. This includes current students as well as any former students instructed or mentored by the Judge. In such cases, the middle score of other judges will be added to the total score of the contestant.
• The Judge must refrain from letting personal, political, racial, national, gender-based, or familial relationships influence their judgments. Decisions must be based solely on the merit of the performances as defined by the established criteria.
• The decisions of the Jury Panel should be based solely on the contestants’ performances and not on any previous experience, reputations, their teachers, or other matters of which the judges may be aware.
• The decision of the judges is final and cannot be appealed. Contestants, teachers, parents, and audience members should not approach the judges for any reason before or during the competition.
• The Judge must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may arise due to personal or professional relationships with any contestant.
• Confidentiality by Jury Members must be maintained regarding all judging deliberations, scores, and discussions, without disclosing any information that could compromise the impartiality or integrity of the competition.

• Anyone wishing to enter the Competition should complete the Application Form, which can be found in the “APPLY” section.
• Applicants may apply to and participate in only one category of the competition: either Classical Music or Emirati Talents.
• Each applicant is allowed to submit their application only once. Multiple submissions will not be accepted.
• Round I application Deadline: February 21, 2025. The materials received after this date and the incomplete Application Forms will not be accepted.
• Any applicant providing inadequate information will be disqualified.
• In the competition rounds, contestants are required to perform the music pieces specified in the Application Form.
• In case of any changes to the Competition program, the Contestant shall notify the Organizer via email [email protected] before the beginning of the Competition.
• Contestants whose program includes works of contemporary classical music as well as Emirati/Arabic works or written in the style of oriental music should attach the relevant music sheets to their Application Form.

• Chosen Contestants will receive special prizes as recognition of their achievements.
• Contestants are responsible for covering any additional costs related to special prizes, including travel, accommodation, and other expenses.
• The Jury reserves the right to withhold any prize.
• The decision of the Judges is final and cannot be appealed.
• More detailed information is provided in the “PRIZES” Section.

• The Organizer retains the exclusive right to utilize all submitted videos, photos, and any other materials for promotional and marketing purposes related to the Competition. This may include but is not limited to, social media posts, press releases, website content, and any printed materials.
• By participating in the Competition, all applicants agree to grant the Organizer the necessary permissions and licenses to utilize their materials in such promotional activities. No extra fee will be paid to the applicants.