Dubai Culture concludes fourth Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, announces winners of competitive segment

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) concluded the fourth edition of the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, announcing SoundX: Base, Les Marionnettes and Rooted Elevation Games as the winners of its creative entrepreneurship competition. The forum brought together entrepreneurs, investors, artists, designers and industry experts to exchange knowledge, develop business skills and explore opportunities across the cultural and creative industries. Organised in strategic partnership with Al Khayat Avenue, the forum took place through 30 and 31 October at Area 57, Al Khayat Avenue, within Al Quoz Creative Zone, under the theme ‘Creative Frontiers – Expanding What’s Possible.’ Its programme of discussions, presentations, interactive sessions and workshops explored how creative entrepreneurs can build sustainable businesses, attract investment, adopt advanced technologies, and respond to changing market demands. Wio Business sponsored the forum this year, supporting freelancers and creative entrepreneurs with financial tools to manage their finances, receive payments and grow their businesses. The sponsorship complements Dubai Culture’s efforts to help creatives turn their ideas into viable ventures and strengthen the creative economy. Participants also connected with investors and industry specialists, sharing practical experiences and examining how collaboration can help turn creative ideas into commercially viable ventures. Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture, said: “The strong participation in this year’s Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum reflects the ambition and diversity of Dubai’s creative community and the growing interest in transforming creative ideas into sustainable businesses. By bringing entrepreneurs together with investors and industry experts, the forum provides access to practical knowledge, fresh perspectives and professional relationships that can help creative ventures navigate challenges, identify market opportunities and build a foundation for long-term growth.” She added: “The projects recognised through the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition demonstrate the breadth of talent and innovation emerging from Dubai’s cultural and creative industries. From music technology and performing arts to gaming and interactive storytelling, each venture combines creativity with entrepreneurial ambition. At Dubai Culture, we remain committed to supporting this talent and creating the conditions for creative businesses to develop, compete and contribute to Dubai’s economic and cultural growth.” Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture Experts and investors evaluate projects The Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition brought together eight ventures to pitch their projects to a jury of industry experts and investors. The finalists were Dhruv Agarwala, founder of SoundX: Base; Mahek Mansukhlal, founder of HiSign; Mohammad Alshafiei and Asma Alkaabi, founder and co-founder of FLIGHT; Gabriella Skaf and Alain Wehbe, co-founders of Les Marionnettes; Ahmad Said, founder and Game Director of Eucalypt Game Studio; Louis Garratt, founder and CEO of Sahab Collective; Mariam Shabana Faizal, founder of QissaGoi; and Lubna Alshamsi, founder of Rooted Elevation Games. The jury comprised Khaled AlHammadi, Executive Vice President of FDI, Partnerships and Government Initiatives at Emirates Development Bank; Nadine Mezher, Co-Founder of NAWA and Sarwa; Fadi Ismail, Founder of DKL Studio and Partner at Goldfinch’s MENA business; and Denise Zhou, Chief Strategy Officer of Future One MENA (FOM). Ahead of the competition, participants received mentorship from Osama Shawky, Founder and CEO of Estaie Holdings Limited; Ilyess Zenasni, Co-Founder and CEO of Wahat Games and Chief Technology Officer of payout.fr and Hadify; Mita Srinivasan, Founder and Director of Market Buzz International; and Dev Vaswani, Founder, Executive Producer and Managing Director of Milkshake Media. The mentors also included Atish Evaristo Andrade, Co-Founder of Coherence; Dr Lena Kurban, Chair of the Department of Decision Sciences and General Business and Assistant Professor of Management Sciences at the American University in Dubai; and May Barber, Creative Strategist, Curator and Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum Curator. Together, the mentors brought expertise spanning entrepreneurship, technology, communications, creative production, business development and education to support participants’ preparations for their pitches. Winners Dhruv Agarwala, founder of SoundX:Base, secured first place and received a cash prize of AED80,000. The Dubai-based music technology company supports emerging creators through technology, live performances, education and mentorship. Its activities include developing creative tools, facilitating artist collaborations and helping emerging talent build their skills and access professional opportunities within the music ind