Aster Canvas Painting Competition 2026 in Dubai

About the Aster Canvas Painting Competition in Dubai

The Aster Canvas Painting Competition in Dubai takes place on Saturday 14 November 2026, inviting young artists aged 4 to 16 from across the UAE to paint, colour and imagine their way through a superhero-themed brief. The competition takes place at GEMS Winchester School Dubai, near IMG Worlds of Adventure on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, and organisers expect between 2,000 and 2,500 children to take part.

The day runs from 10am to 5pm in seven one-hour slots, and each child paints during the slot chosen at registration. The competition itself lasts 60 minutes. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony on Saturday 21 November 2026.

Aster runs the competition with Tamquest Events, which manages and organises the day, while GEMS Winchester School Dubai is the title sponsor and co-organiser. Participation is open to all eligible children, and registration is required online in advance.

Age Groups and Themes

Children compete in four age groups, each with its own theme. This year the brief centres on superpowers, and GEMS Winchester pupils get special themes to mark the school’s 15 years in the UAE.

• Group A (4 to 7 years): all children colour a pre-drawn “Superpower” sheet, which is provided at the venue.
• Group B (8 to 10 years): “My Superpower: Small Acts, Big Changes”. GEMS Winchester pupils paint “15 Years of Winchester: My School of Superheroes”.
• Group C (11 to 13 years): “My Superpower for a Better World”. GEMS Winchester pupils paint “15 Years of Winchester: Our Superpower Is Learning”.
• Group D (14 to 16 years): “My Superpower for a Better World”, focusing on a real-world challenge. GEMS Winchester pupils paint “15 Years of Winchester: The School of Tomorrow, Beyond Imagination”.

The themes give children a lot of room. “Small acts, big changes” might mean helping a neighbour, planting a tree or saving water, while older children can take on bigger ideas such as climate, health or kindness. Talking it through at home before the day helps young artists arrive with a plan rather than a blank mind.

For the youngest group, colouring a pre-drawn sheet keeps things fair and manageable, since four-year-olds and seven-year-olds can both finish in an hour. Older children starting on a blank canvas have more freedom, but also more decisions to make, so a simple sketch plan agreed in advance can make the hour far more relaxed.

Rules, Judging and Prizes

The competition keeps the rules simple:

• Any art medium is allowed, including colour pencils, sketch pens, watercolours and oil paints.
• Entries are judged on theme and creativity by an independent panel, and its decision is final.
• The top three in each age group receive prizes, and ten runners-up per category are also recognised.
• Every participant receives a certificate of participation.
• Winners are notified by email within one week of the competition day.

Because judging focuses on theme and creativity rather than technical polish, younger children are not at a disadvantage. A bold, clear idea that answers the brief counts for a lot.

The Venue: GEMS Winchester School Dubai

GEMS Winchester School Dubai is near IMG Worlds of Adventure on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The school is celebrating 15 years in the UAE, which is why its own pupils have anniversary themes. With up to 2,500 children expected over seven slots, it is worth planning your journey so you arrive in good time for your slot.

The event is also backed by media sponsors Z5, ZeeTV and ZCinema, along with supporting partners Tickikids and Dubai Bliss.

What to Bring and Visitor Tips

Preparation makes the day far less stressful. Based on the organisers’ guidance:

• Printed registration form. Bring a printed copy of your online registration.
• Arrive 30 minutes early. Children must arrive at least half an hour before their slot and can only enter during their assigned slot.
• A blank canvas for Groups B, C and D. Older children bring their own canvas. Group A receives a pre-drawn sheet at the venue.
• Art materials and a board. Participants are encouraged to bring their own colouring materials and a supporting board to work on.
• Practise the timing. One hour goes quickly. A practice run at home with the same materials helps children pace themselves.

The registration form asks for the child’s name, school, age group, emirate, nationality and chosen time slot, and whether they attend GEMS Winchester School. Registering also means agreeing to receive marketing communications. For questions, the organisers can be reached via @Tamquestofficial or on +971 58 588 9553.

Looking for more creative activities for children this month? Browse our kids events in Dubai, our art and culture listings and the full things to do in November guide, or explore more things to do in Dubai.

If your child loves to paint, register them on the official Aster Canvas website, pick a time slot and get those superhero ideas flowing before 14 November.