Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition (ADICC) is a global platform for emerging and established composers, created to advocate for contemporary music, nurture creative talent and empower the next generation of musical visionaries.
Founded by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) as part of Abu Dhabi Festival, ADICC aims to recognise and reward composers of all nationalities by providing a platform to showcase their talents, gain international recognition and perform their original works on the world stage.
The work, which may take any form, must have a duration of approximately 10 minutes (for orchestral work) and 5 minutes (for solo instruments) and be written for symphony orchestra or solo instrument. The winning piece will be premiered during the Abu Dhabi Festival in April 2026, and the performance will be recorded.
Eligibility is restricted to living composers born after 15 September 1975. The competition is open to composers of all nationalities, provided they have not previously been laureates in any past edition of the ADICC.
The three laureates of the 2025 ADICC will be awarded the following monetary prizes: 130,000 AED for first place, 50,000 AED for second, and 25,000 AED for third. The laureates will be invited to attend the final round of the competition in Abu Dhabi, which will take place during April 2026 (with travel and accommodation expenses fully covered by the ADICC).
