Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the second Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs within the emirate's cultural and creative industries.
This forum aims to transform innovative ideas into successful projects, foster self-sustaining businesses, develop skills, and promote a competitive environment. The initiative aligns with Dubai Culture's mission to invest in emerging potential and achieve the emirate’s cultural vision of becoming a global cultural hub, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving center for talent.
The inaugural forum attracted over 1,200 creatives, entrepreneurs, and investors, featuring 27 workshops, panels, keynote speeches, and activations. Nine community hub members supported entrepreneurs with knowledge and in-kind awards.
Scheduled for Q4 2024 at Al Quoz Creative Zone, the second forum will offer keynote sessions, panel discussions led by esteemed experts, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and events aimed at nurturing business ingenuity and enriching Dubai’s creative landscape.
In conjunction with the forum, Dubai Culture has launched the second Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition to inspire groundbreaking business ideas and strengthen Dubai’s cultural and creative industries. This competition aligns with the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and aims to foster entrepreneurship growth. Last year, winners selected from nearly 200 applicants received a total of AED 100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, enabling them to invest in their ideas, develop prototypes, and explore new market opportunities.
Competition applications are open until August 31. Shortlisted applicants will present their business ideas at the forum to a panel of industry experts, investors, and forum partners. This year’s prizes include AED 100,000 in cash: AED 50,000 for first place, AED 30,000 for second place, and AED 20,000 for third, along with substantial in-kind support packages.
Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects & Events Department at Dubai Culture, emphasized the importance of the forum and competition, stating,
"Through the forum, the Authority seeks to provide a platform capable of bringing together creative entrepreneurs, encouraging them to develop their skills, showcase their ideas and projects, and explore new ideas that contribute to their continued professional journey in various creative fields. The forum represents a unique opportunity to build bridges between entrepreneurs, experts, and investors across various fields, helping to open new horizons for them, enrich their knowledge, and enhance their culture of innovation. On the other hand, the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition represents a spacious area that encourages entrepreneurs to present their ideas, express their ambitions, and demonstrate their ability to develop new and innovative products capable of meeting market and customer needs alike."
The competition is open to UAE-based startups less than two years old, spanning fields such as TV, audio and radio broadcasting, handicrafts, design, heritage, music, film, performing arts, visual arts, publishing, e-gaming, culinary arts, and food culture. Applicants must submit supporting documentation and a prototype, where applicable, to participate.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
