Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Dubai’s vibrant creative energy was on full display as the third edition of the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum wrapped up at Al Khayat Avenue, marking a significant stride in the city’s mission to nurture innovation and cultural entrepreneurship.
Hosted by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the two-day gathering attracted a diverse group of entrepreneurs, investors, and creative minds for a rich experience of workshops, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities. This forum served as a lively testament to Dubai’s flourishing creative economy and its expanding influence across various sectors.
Central to the forum was the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition, spotlighting outstanding local startups. Hamad Khoory, the visionary behind Bedaoius, a digital gaming company drawing inspiration from Emirati culture, won the top award of AED 80,000. Second place went to Sofia Khmelidze, founder of ArtDep, which orchestrates cultural experiences and art exhibitions, earning AED 50,000, while Nizar Ahmadi, CEO of MADE, a UAE talent platform, secured third place along with AED 30,000.
Seven innovative startups were selected to present their ideas to a panel of experts comprising leaders from Dubai Sports Council, AW Rostamani, Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, and Rite. The judging criteria included creativity, sustainability, market viability, and cultural significance—emphasizing each project’s potential contribution to the creative economy and job creation.
Engaging discussions on the future of creativity took center stage throughout the forum. Mohamed Saeed Harib, Chairman of Lammtara Art Production, launched the event with a keynote speech titled ‘Animating the Future’, delving into how storytelling and collaboration can transform creative sectors. Another standout session featured a fireside chat entitled ‘Co-Creating Tomorrow: Writing the Human Story with AI’ between Mo Gawdat and Omar Butti, focusing on the human touch in an AI-driven landscape.
Other highlights included ‘Beyond a Star’ with Chef Mohamad Orfali, who offered wisdom on harmonizing authenticity with commercial success, alongside a dynamic lineup of skill-building workshops like ‘Rock Your Profile’ hosted by LinkedIn, ‘Empathetic Entrepreneurship Thinking’ by DIDI, and ‘Unlocking IP for Creatives’ by Dubai Economy and Tourism.
Winners not only received cash prizes but also an array of support packages from partners like Oraseya Capital, In5, LinkedIn, Zoho, TiE Dubai, and Letswork, providing mentorship, workspace, and investment opportunities to help elevate their businesses.
With backing from a wide network of collaborators—ranging from Entrepreneur Middle East to Al Khayat Avenue and Innov8 Incubator—the forum underscored Dubai’s dedication to fostering an ecosystem where creative talent and business innovation coexist and thrive.
As the event drew to a close, the ambition and vibrancy of Dubai’s creative community were palpable—bold, visionary, and primed to reshape the future of the region’s cultural landscape.
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