Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition (UAE)

Dubai Culture has revealed the dates for the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, scheduled to take place on 2 and 3 November at Al Quoz Creative Zone. The primary objective of this forum is to emphasize the significance of Dubai’s cultural and creative industries sector, showcasing the unique investment and development prospects it offers. The event is dedicated to celebrating trailblazers in business and empowering them to transform their creative visions into prosperous ventures and sustainable economic assets. This is facilitated by a comprehensive support system that nurtures essential skills, communication opportunities, and a competitive landscape for potential investors. The forum’s agenda boasts an exciting lineup of keynotes, panel discussions and talks delivered by esteemed experts in entrepreneurship and the cultural and creative industries sector in Dubai. Additionally, there will be engaging dialogue sessions covering crucial topics related to creative entrepreneurship, complemented by interactive workshops, networking meetings, and a range of activities and events aimed at promoting enterprising and enriching Dubai’s creative landscape.

The competition offers a unique opportunity for exposure and validation, with the award serving as a catalyst for the winner’s business growth, enabling them to invest in their ideas, develop prototypes, scale operations, or explore new market opportunities.

Funding Information

Entrepreneurs who reach the shortlist can pitch their business ideas to an adjudication panel of industry experts, investors, and partners of the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum. The winner will be awarded a monetary grant of AED 50,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• The competition targets all startups in their early stages, which must be less than two years from their launch and have a viable prototype where applicable.
• Participation is limited to entrepreneurs within the UAE, and they must submit supporting materials for their business as part of the application process.
• Applicants must actively engage in activity within the cultural and creative industries, encompassing various sectors such as:
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Architecture, urban planning, interior design
  • Broadcasting (television and radio)
  • Artisanal crafts, arts, and antiques
  • Graphic, industrial, product, fashion, and digital design
  • Film, cinema, and animation
  • Music (production, publishing, performance)
  • Performing arts (theatre, dance, opera)
  • Literature, publishing, e-publishing
  • Gaming
  • Heritage (museums, libraries, archaeology)
  • Photography, film, podcasting, and content production
  • Visual arts (painting, sculpture, installation, street art, and graffiti)
  • Culinary art, gastronomy, and food culture.

For more information, visit Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.