The third edition of the Khowwaz Forum for Creative Entrepreneurship, organized by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, was a resounding success in Dubai, reflecting the vitality and strength of the emirate's cultural and creative industries and the developmental opportunities they present to support innovation and enhance the creative landscape.
The forum, held over two days at Al Khayat Avenue, attracted a select group of entrepreneurs, specialists, and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises who participated in a diverse series of workshops, sessions, and panel discussions.
At the conclusion of the forum's third edition, Dubai Culture honored the winners of the Khowwaz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition. First place went to Hamad Khoury, founder of "Badaous," a company specializing in producing digital games inspired by local heritage. He received a cash prize of 80,000 dirhams. Second place was awarded to Sofia Khameldai, founder of the "Art Deep" platform, which organizes art and cinema workshops and evenings, as well as designs diverse cultural events. She received a prize of 50,000 dirhams.
She stated: "Dubai Culture" through its initiatives aims to create competitive environments capable of attracting and retaining investors, talents, and creators, and providing all the ingredients for success for entrepreneurs, encouraging them to develop their skills and achieve their ambitions, and enabling them to launch their innovative projects from Dubai, which enhances the strength of its cultural and creative industries and consolidates its position as a global hub for the creative economy.
She noted that the forum is a prime opportunity to build bridges of communication between entrepreneurs, experts, and investors across various sectors, which enriches their knowledge and fosters a spirit of innovation.
Khouloud Khoury: "The Khowwaz Forum for Creative Entrepreneurship has transformed into an inspiring platform and an incubator that supports creative entrepreneurship in Dubai, which represents a main pillar in the journey of comprehensive development.
Third place went to Nizar Ahmad, founder and CEO of the MADE platform, which specializes in music, art, and entertainment and empowers creators in the UAE to connect directly with talent seekers. He was awarded a prize of 30,000 dirhams.
In addition to the cash prizes, the winners received a package of in-kind prizes from the forum's partners, including investment mentorship and venture capital support from "Eurasia Capital," as well as brand support, a site visit to the "LinkedIn" office, a $500 credit on the "Zoho" platform with smart watches, a three-month membership in the "In5" business incubator, a three-month discount on a co-working space from "Innovate," a 20% discount on one event at the "Epic Capital" club, professional mentoring sessions from "TiE Dubai," a one-hour consultation on manufacturing from "Make Works UAE," and a one-month gold membership from "LetsWork."
The competition received a large number of applications, from which seven startups were shortlisted to present to the judging panel. The forum's program included a series of panel discussions, as well as a series of specialized workshops.
Khouloud Khoury, Head of the Projects and Events Department at "Dubai Culture," pointed out that the Khowwaz Forum for Creative Entrepreneurship has become an inspiring platform and an incubator that supports creative entrepreneurship in Dubai, which is a main driver in the comprehensive development journey and an engine for the industry of the future.
