Dubai Culture's New Competition Seeks Creative Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the third edition of the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition, which is being staged by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the UAE government entity responsible for promoting and supporting the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in the emirate of Dubai. 

The contest is being staged as part of the third edition of Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, which Dubai Culture aims to organize in the Al Quoz Creative Zone in the fourth quarter of 2025. The event shall feature expert-led talks on entrepreneurship and the CCIs, interactive workshops, networking sessions, and panels on advancing business growth, as well as a range of activities designed to equip participants with entrepreneurial skills. 

In a statement, Khulood Khoory, Director of the Project and Events Department at Dubai Culture, said, “Through the forum and the competition, we aim to create an environment that nurtures entrepreneurship in Dubai, encouraging a competitive climate that drives the creative economy and empowers innovative endeavors. Our initiatives are designed to attract investors, talent, and creative minds, inspiring them to launch and expand their projects in the emirate. The event is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs, experts, and stakeholders to connect, share insights, and ignite new ways of thinking. Likewise, the competition motivates participants to push boundaries and continue their professional journeys, fueling growth across sectors.” 

The Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition seeks ideas that contribute to the creative economy and support the cultural and creative industries. Entries will be evaluated on creativity, competitiveness, sustainability, market insight, and overall potential, with a focus on their impact on the CCIs, innovation, cultural diversity, and job creation. The first-place winner will receive AED80,000, the second AED50,000, and the third AED30,000, along with additional prizes from the event’s collaborators. 

The Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition is open to early-stage startups based in the UAE that are less than two years old. Applicants must have a functional prototype, where applicable, and are required to submit supporting materials for their business as part of the application. The competition is open to Emirati entrepreneurs across a range of sectors, including advertising, cultural production, architecture, music, fashion, design, digital arts, culinary arts, and more. 

To apply, participants must complete and submit an online application form along with all required supporting documents. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their projects at the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum. A jury of experts will review the presentations and select the winners. Applications for the competition are open until June 30, with shortlisted entrants expected to present their pitches to a panel of specialists and financiers at the forum.