Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum
Dubai Culture is organising the third Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, scheduled for Q4 2025 at the Al Quoz Creative Zone. The forum will feature interactive workshops, panel discussions, and talks aimed at empowering owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to expand their ventures. The event is designed to create an integrated ecosystem that combines skill development, networking sessions, and a competitive space for investors and talent. Through this platform, the Authority seeks to highlight the significance of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) and the extensive range of facilities and opportunities that support Dubai’s goal of becoming a global hub for the sector by 2026.

Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition
Dubai Culture has also announced the open call for the third edition of the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition, which will take place on the sidelines of the forum. The contest aims to increase competition among startups and encourage innovative ideas that strengthen the emirate’s CCIs while advancing the emirate’s startup scene.
Applications will be accepted until 30 June, after which a specialised jury comprising industry experts, investors, and forum partners will review submissions to choose the winners. The first-place recipient will receive a cash prize of AED 80,000, the second AED 50,000, and the third AED 30,000. Event collaborators will give out additional rewards.

Eligibility Criteria:
The competition targets early-stage startups less than two years old, with a functional prototype where applicable. Only UAE-based entrepreneurs are eligible and must provide supporting materials for their business as part of the application process.
Applicants must be actively engaged in the CCIs, including sectors such as:
• Advertising and marketing
• Architecture, urban planning, and interior design
• Broadcasting (television and radio)
• Handicrafts, 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
• E-gaming
• Heritage (museums, libraries, archaeology)
• Photography, film, podcasting, and content production
• Visual arts (painting, sculpture, installation, street art, graffiti)
• Culinary arts, gastronomy, and food culture

Competition Application Process:
• Submit an online application form.
• Attach the required supporting documents.
• Entries will be assessed based on eligibility and the criteria outlined below.
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch at the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum in Q4 2025.
• A jury will evaluate the presentations and select the winners.

Required Supporting Documents:
• Passport copy
• Professional resume/CV
• Business profile (including company organisational chart, founder profiles, employee bios)
• Business pitch deck (including business proposal, value proposition, target audience, operations plan, revenue strategy, marketing approach, and a plan for how the grant will be used)

Evaluation Criteria:
• Innovation and creativity, including uniqueness and competitive potential.
• Understanding of the target market’s requirements, customer needs, and growth prospects.
• Sustainability regarding resources, revenue, and long-term development.
• Impact on the CCIs and its contribution to promoting innovation, cultural diversity, and job creation.

Shortlisted entrepreneurs will be invited to participate in the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum in Q4 2025.

To register, please click here.