Rules &
Regulations.

• The competition is conducted across three progressive stages.
• Stage 1 — Registration & Auditions: open to eligible participants, evaluated on core talent, rhythm, expression, and stage presence by the judging panel.
• Stage 2 — Second Round: participants selected from the audition round advance after paying the Second Round Participation Fee, performing to a higher standard before an expanded judging panel.
• Stage 3 — Grand Finale: the best performers compete on Rhythm Rise's grand stage in Dubai for a AED 12,000 total prize pool — Singing Grand Finale on 14 November 2026, Dance Grand Finale on 15 November 2026.
• The organising committee reserves the right to modify, add, or restructure rounds with prior notice to participants.

Auditions are designed to evaluate raw talent — not polished production. The durations below are MAXIMUMS, not required lengths — you may perform for less than the maximum shown (e.g. a 2-minute maximum does not mean you must perform for 2 minutes; 1 minute is perfectly fine).

• These are maximum durations — a shorter performance is always allowed and will not be penalised for being under the maximum.
• Judges reserve the right to stop a performance once sufficient evaluation is completed.
• In case of high participation, audition duration may be adjusted with prior notice.
• Participants must report to the venue at least 30 minutes before their scheduled slot.
• Late arrivals may forfeit their audition slot; rescheduling is at the organiser's discretion.

The durations below apply to the Grand Finale and, like the audition durations above, are MAXIMUMS, not required lengths — a participant or group may perform for less than the maximum shown.

• These are maximum durations — a shorter performance is always allowed and will not be penalised for being under the maximum.
• Backing tracks must be submitted at least 48 hours before the performance date, in MP3 format (minimum 192kbps).
• Live musical accompaniment is permitted in the Singing category — accompanist details must be declared at registration.
• Explicit, offensive, or age-inappropriate content in music tracks is strictly prohibited.
• Costumes must be age-appropriate and culturally respectful; props must not damage the stage or pose safety risks.
• Fire, liquids, confetti, or any hazardous materials are strictly not permitted on stage.
• Exceeding the maximum time limit may result in point deductions at the judges' discretion.

• Open to participants from UAE, India, and Qatar — no nationality restriction.
• Age is calculated as of the competition date.
• Participants may enter more than one category, more than one Solo Dance form, and a group may enter more than one Group Dance form — each is a separate, independently judged entry. Registration and the first-round audition are free for every entry.
• Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the venue.
• Group Dance is open to all ages with no age-category restrictions — mixed-age groups are welcome. Minimum 3 participants per group, across all 5 dance forms.
• 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.

• Judging panels are composed of industry professionals, performing arts experts, and experienced practitioners.
• All performances are judged independently — scores in one category have no bearing on another.
• Criteria: Technique, Expression, Rhythm & Timing, Stage Presence, and Overall Impression.
• Judges' decisions are final and binding. No correspondence or appeals will be entertained.
• Scores are tabulated by a neutral third party and verified before announcement.
• In the event of a tie, a designated tiebreaker criterion is applied.

Rhythm Rise is committed to complete transparency in judging. Judges are selected without conflicts of interest, and no judge may evaluate a participant they have a direct relationship with.

• All participants, guardians, and accompanying members must maintain respectful and professional conduct.
• Harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behaviour results in immediate disqualification.
• Participants must not approach judges directly at any time before, during, or after the competition.
• Recording of other participants' performances without explicit consent is not permitted.
• Plagiarism of another artist's signature choreography without credit may lead to disqualification.

Registration and the first-round audition are free — for every category, with no exceptions. The table below is the Second Round Participation Fee, payable only if you're selected by our judges to continue past your audition.

• Registration and the first-round audition are free — no payment is collected to enter or to audition.
• Selection to continue past the first round is automatic, based on judges' scores against a published threshold.
• Only participants selected to continue are asked to pay the Second Round Participation Fee shown above, per qualified entry — no discounts, and the same fee applies to every selected participant. Fees for multiple qualified entries (e.g. Solo Singing + Solo Dance, or two Solo Dance forms) are added together.
• The Group Dance fee is per group, not per person — one AED 300 fee covers the whole team for one qualified dance form, regardless of team size. A group qualifying in more than one Group Dance form pays AED 300 for each qualified form.
• The Second Round Participation Fee is non-refundable once confirmed, except in cases of event cancellation by the organiser (full refund within 14 working days).
• The Grand Finale carries a AED 12,000 total prize pool.
• India fees will be announced closer to the event date.

• By registering, participants grant Rhythm Rise the right to photograph and video-record performances for promotional, archival, and broadcast purposes.
• Recorded content may be used on Rhythm Rise's website, social media, press materials, and future promotional content.
• Participants retain the right to share their own performance footage on personal channels.
• Any media featuring minors is handled per child protection guidelines and requires explicit parental consent.
• Participants shall not make unauthorised commercial use of the Rhythm Rise name, logo, or brand.

• Registration constitutes full acceptance of all rules and regulations listed here.
• Rhythm Rise reserves the right to amend these rules at any time; participants will be notified of material changes.
• The organiser is not responsible for personal loss, injury, or damage to property during the event.
• Force majeure events may result in rescheduling or cancellation without liability.
• For queries not addressed here, contact contact@rhythmrise.in or WhatsApp +971 50 470 8760.

These rules are an initiative of the Doha Music Lovers Group and are designed to ensure a fair, transparent, and world-class competition experience for every participant.