Dubai Culture has plans for creatives, entrepreneurs and little discoverers
- Last updated: August 13, 2023 | 12:09
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled plans for the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, scheduled to take place at Al Quoz Creative Zone on November 2-3. The forum aims to underline the significance of Dubai’s cultural and creative industries sector, along with pointing out the investment and developmental prospects it offers.
In addition to celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, the event empowers visionaries to transform their ideas into thriving projects and make their businesses self-sustainable. The initiative is intended to nurture skills, open up communication opportunities and encourage a competitive environment. The effort falls within the framework of Dubai Culture’s commitments to invest in and support young practitioners, working towards achieving the emirate’s cultural vision to cement Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
The inaugural Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum includes a programme of keynote sessions and panel discussions led by experts in the cultural and creative industries. They will be complemented by interactive workshops, networking opportunities and events - all geared towards nurturing business ingenuity and enriching the emirate’s creative landscape. The Authority has also launched the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition in conjunction with the forum, aiming to boost competition among creative minds and inspire groundbreaking business ideas.
The initiative strengthens Dubai’s cultural and creative industries, inspires entrepreneurship growth, and also aligns with the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy. Dubai Culture will be accepting applications for the competition from August 10-31. Shortlisted applicants will have the opportunity of presenting their business ideas at the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum before a distinguished panel comprising industry experts, investors and forum partners.
The winner will receive a monetary grant of Dhs 50,000 along with a range of valuable support packages. Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects & Events Department at Dubai Culture, said that “Dubai has an attractive and supportive environment for the cultural and creative industries sector, thanks to an integrated ecosystem … that makes the emirate one of the best cities in the world to live, work, and invest in.” She added that “Dubai Culture, through the forum, seeks to highlight the importance of the cultural and creative industries and to create a platform that helps entrepreneurs and talent to gain knowledge and learn from international best practices and successful projects, in addition to opening opportunities for them by honing their skills and encouraging them to unleash their creativity.”
The Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition is open to all UAE-based startups in their early stages, which must be less than two years old from their launch. The competition spans various fields including creative businesses and startups in TV, audio and radio broadcasting, crafts, graphic, industrial, and digital design, fashion, and product design. Additionally, it encompasses heritage, museums, libraries, archaeology, music, film, content and motion graphics production, performing arts, visual arts, photography, publishing, electronic games, culinary arts, and food culture.
Each applicant must submit supporting documentation for their business to participate in the competition. Dubai Culture is also hosting the Little Discoverers’ Summer Camp in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, offering children a series of adventures that embrace life in Al Fahidi, offering them the opportunity to discover how creativity meets heritage. Open to children aged 8-12 over two periods from August 14–18 and August 21–25, the camp is free to join and provides an opportunity to explore Emirati heritage.
Participants can dive into the details of Emirati culture, discover its customs and mores, and live a set of experiences within a historical atmosphere. The camp offers children innovative workshops, educational tours and entertainment activities to discover the significance of community bonds and the role of the Emirati family in the growth of Dubai. By experiencing the different aspects of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbouhood, it is hoped they will become acquainted with the neighbourhood’s architectural designs and traditional handicrafts. Additionally, through their trips to search for hidden treasures inside the houses of the neighbourhood, they will learn about the area’s history as a hub for trade in Dubai, including the role of pearling, fishing, and oil in building the economy.
The camp will also immerse them in Emirati arts and handicrafts, teaching them about their history, importance, and techniques, such as building Barjeels, dukhoon-making, and gypsum carving. Mariam Dhaen Al Tamimi, Acting Director of Heritage Sites Department at Dubai Culture, noted the importance of the summer camps organised by Dubai Culture, highlighting their role in strengthening children’s connection with Emirati heritage. “Dubai Culture, through its summer camps, aims to create a creative environment that empowers children by providing them with the life and practical experiences they need,” she said.
“This includes developing their cognitive and physical skills by participating in various activities and events catering to their interests and enhancing their cultural awareness. The camps offer a unique and distinguished cultural and educational experience, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and expression. Here, children can discover Emirati culture, heritage and history, and communicate with each other to learn about different cultures.” All the activities within camp are presented in Arabic and English and held under the supervision of heritage specialists and experts. Registration is free for all.