Frequently Asked QuestionsGot Questions?
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Everything you need to know about registration, categories, judging, and what happens on the day.
Registration
Registration
How do I register?
Registration is completely free. Fill out the registration form for your category, and you're confirmed for your first-round audition — no payment at any point during registration.
Is there a registration fee?
No. Registration and your first-round audition are free for every category. You're only ever asked to pay if our judges select you to continue past that first round — see 'Is there a fee to audition?' below for the Next-Stage Participation Fee.
Is there a fee to audition?
No — auditioning is free. If you're selected by our judges to continue to the Second Round, a single Second Round Participation Fee (AED 100 for Solo Singing and Solo Dance, AED 300 per group for Group Dance) confirms your place. No discounts apply, and nothing is charged before you're selected.
How does selection work?
Every auditionee is scored by our judges against the same published criteria. Selection to continue to the Second Round is automatic, based on those scores against a set threshold — not a manual pick. If you're selected, you'll be invited to pay the Second Round Participation Fee to confirm your place.
What is the refund policy?
Registration and the first-round audition are free, so there's nothing to refund at that stage. The Second Round Participation Fee (payable only after selection) is non-refundable once confirmed, except in the case of organiser-initiated cancellation — full refunds are processed within 14 working days.
Age & Categories
Age & Categories
What age groups can participate?
Ages 5 and above are welcome: Sub Juniors (5–8), Juniors (9–12), Pre-Teens (13–16), Teens (17–19), Young Adults (20–24), and Adults (25+). Group Dance also has an Open Category with no age restriction.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes — you can enter Solo Singing, Solo Dance, and/or Group Dance, and you can also enter more than one Solo Dance form (e.g. Classical and Cinematic) or, for a group, more than one Group Dance form. Each is treated as a separate entry with its own qualification, and Second Round fees are added together per entry: AED 100 for each qualified Solo Singing or Solo Dance entry, AED 300 for each qualified Group Dance entry.
Can I participate in more than one Solo Dance form?
Yes. Solo Dance's five forms (Classical, Semi-Classical, Folk Dance, Cinematic, Western Dance) are each a separate entry — you can register for more than one. Auditions are free for every entry; if you're selected to continue in more than one, the AED 100 Second Round Participation Fee applies per qualified entry (e.g. Classical + Cinematic, both selected, is AED 200 total).
Is the AED 300 Group Dance fee per person or per group?
Per group, not per person — AED 300 covers the whole group's entry in one dance form, regardless of how many dancers are in it (3 dancers or 10, the fee is the same AED 300). If the same group is selected in more than one Group Dance form, each qualified form is its own AED 300 entry (e.g. Group Classical + Group Folk Dance, both selected, is AED 600 total for the group).
What nationalities can participate?
There is no nationality restriction. Any participant residing in UAE, India, or Qatar is eligible to compete, regardless of passport.
Can I perform Western Dance to a Hindi song?
No. Performances entered under the Western Dance category must use English or other foreign-language music. Indian-language songs are not permitted under the Western Dance category. For other dance forms, choose music appropriate to that dance form and performance.
Rules
Rules
What are the time limits for performances?
These are maximum durations, not required lengths — you may always perform for less. First Audition: Solo Singing up to 2 minutes, Solo Dance up to 2 minutes, Group Dance up to 3 minutes. Grand Finale: Solo Singing up to 3 minutes, Solo Dance up to 3 minutes, Group Dance up to 5 minutes. See the full Rules & Regulations page for details.
What can I use for costumes and props?
Costumes must be age-appropriate and culturally respectful. Props are permitted but must not damage the stage or pose safety risks, and must be declared at registration. Fire, liquids, and confetti are not permitted.
Judging
Judging
How are judges selected?
Judges are industry professionals and performing arts experts selected with strict conflict-of-interest checks. No judge evaluates a participant they have a direct personal or professional relationship with.
How is judging kept fair?
Every score is tabulated and verified by a neutral third party before results are announced — no single individual controls the outcome. Judges' decisions are final and binding.
Certificates
Certificates
Do I get anything for participating, even if I don't win?
Yes. Every participant who attends their audition receives a Digital Participation Certificate — unconditionally, regardless of the outcome or whether you're selected to continue. Every certificate can be verified on the Certificate Verification page.
Parents
Parents
Do parents need to be present?
Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the venue for auditions and all subsequent rounds.
Is my child's media (photos/video) protected?
Any media featuring minors is handled in accordance with child protection guidelines and requires explicit parental consent before use.
Schools & Groups
Schools & Groups
Can academies or dance schools enter as a group?
Yes — Group Dance welcomes teams from academies, institutions, and community groups, including an Open Category for mixed-age ensembles with no age restriction.
When will audition dates be announced?
Registration for Rhythm Rise Dubai is open from 20 August 2026 to 20 October 2026. Free auditions start on 3 & 4 October 2026 and continue thereafter — the exact venue is being finalised and will be announced soon. Register now to receive your exact audition slot, date, and venue directly to your email and WhatsApp.
Season 1 — How It Works
Free to Audition. Pay Only If You're Selected.
Your first-round audition is completely free.
Registration and your first-round audition are completely free, for every category. Attend your audition and you'll receive a Digital Participation Certificate no matter the result. If our judges select you to continue, a Second Round Participation Fee confirms your place — nothing is charged before that. Top performers advance to the Grand Finale in Dubai for a AED 12,000 total prize pool.
Free to audition· AED 100 if selected
Group Dance's Second Round Participation Fee is AED 300 per group — higher than the solo categories' AED 100. Full terms →
Registration is free — no payment, no commitment. You’ll only ever be asked to pay if you’re selected to continue past your first audition.
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