Judging Process

Elara Awards is committed to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and transparency in its judging process. Each year, the Awards Committee carefully selects independent jurors from diverse professional backgrounds across the Arab world and beyond.

Detailed Guide to the Submission and Judging Process

1. Submission Period

1 November 2026 – 15 March 2027

Submissions for the ELARA Awards 2027 open to creative talents wishing to showcase their work through the official online submission portal, in accordance with the requirements and criteria established for each category.

Explore the Six Award Categories and Submission Deadlines

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

2. Judging Begins

22 March 2027

The judging panel begins reviewing and evaluating submissions according to objective criteria tailored to each category. The evaluation focuses on the quality and originality of the idea, innovation, creative merit, and the impact of the work and the message it conveys.

3. Final Evaluation and Selection of Winners

Following the launch of the judging process, the panel continues its assessment and comparative evaluation of the submitted works to determine the winners in the designated categories, in accordance with the established criteria for each category.

4. Winners Announcement and Awards Ceremony

4 April 2027 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The ELARA Awards 2027 journey culminates in the official awards ceremony, where the winners are announced and outstanding works are recognized in celebration of creative talent, excellence, and achievements that contribute to making a positive impact across society and digital media.

Award Categories

A prestigious platform for Arab creators, where every idea can spark change.

One-Minute Video

Submit a creative video of no more than 60 seconds exploring a human-interest, social, awareness, or community-focused topic. The video should convey a meaningful message through an innovative and compelling visual approach, demonstrating the participant’s ability to communicate an idea clearly and creatively within a limited timeframe.

The use of AI to generate the primary visual scenes is not permitted.

Short Documentary Films

Submit a documentary film between 3 and 5 minutes in length, exploring tangible and intangible cultural heritage, archaeological heritage, historical sites, or cultural practices and traditions. The film should contribute to documenting cultural identity, raising awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting heritage, and passing it on to future generations. Submissions must be based on credible information and reliable sources, presented through an authentic and creative documentary approach.

Authentic documentation is required. AI-generated scenes must not be presented as real events or factual footage.

Photography

Submit an original photograph captured by the participant, portraying a human-interest, social, or environmental issue, or highlighting nature, wildlife, or sustainability. The photograph should demonstrate artistic creativity, communicate a compelling message, and inspire engagement and reflection.

All submissions must be photographs of real scenes captured in-camera. AI-generated images will not be accepted.

Artificial Intelligence

Submit a creative video of no more than 30 seconds, with its visual content generated using artificial intelligence technologies. The video must explore one of the following themes: sports, older adults, sustainability, or hospitality and tourism.

Participants are expected to use AI creatively and purposefully to support the concept and strengthen its message. All AI tools used must be disclosed, and intellectual property rights must be respected.

Digital Platforms

Submit a portfolio introducing a digital platform that delivers meaningful content across media, culture, public awareness, or educational fields through various digital channels. The submission should include examples of published work, clearly communicate the platform’s mission and impact on its audience, and demonstrate its role in sharing knowledge and promoting positive values.

People of Determination

This category enables People of Determination to participate in any of the five other award categories, subject to the eligibility criteria and requirements of each category. It celebrates their talents, creativity, and contributions to the media landscape while promoting equal opportunities and inclusive participation.

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