Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the fourth edition of the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, in strategic partnership with Al Khayat Avenue, taking place on 30 and 31 October 2026 at Area 57, Al Khayat Avenue, in Al Quoz Creative Zone. Held under the theme ‘Creative Frontiers – Expanding What’s Possible’, the forum will explore how advances in technology and changes in business are creating economic opportunities and shaping the future of the cultural and creative industries. It supports the Authority’s efforts to help creative talent and start-ups turn their ideas into viable businesses, strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and enable sustainable growth.

The forum will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, cultural leaders, artists and designers to exchange expertise and explore new approaches to business development. Discussions will examine how emerging technologies can help creative businesses reach new markets, and how collaboration across sectors can create investment opportunities and lasting partnerships. These efforts support Dubai Culture’s ambition to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global cultural reference, a leader in innovation and a driver of the creative economy, grounded in Emirati heritage.

Khulood Khoory, Director of Design Department at Dubai Culture, highlighted the forum’s role in equipping creatives with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and take their businesses to the next stage of growth. She noted that developing these capabilities helps strengthen the cultural and creative industries and increase their contribution to Dubai’s economy.

She said: “The Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum gives creatives opportunities to test their ideas, exchange expertise and build the partnerships and professional networks that help businesses grow. By bringing entrepreneurs together with investors and industry specialists, we aim to help them understand market opportunities, strengthen their business models and develop solutions that respond to the needs of their communities.”

Khoory added that the forum demonstrates creativity’s potential to generate employment and attract investment. She emphasised that building a successful creative business requires a strong idea, an understanding of market needs, an adaptable operating model and access to knowledge, technology, funding and the right partners.

The fourth edition will feature conversations, panel discussions and ‘Lightning Talks’, drawing on the experiences of entrepreneurs who have built businesses around their creative ideas. Sessions will address the future of entrepreneurship, investment in creativity, brand building and competitive business models. They will also explore the contribution of creative communities to the economy, opportunities across design, media and gaming, and how digital platforms can help businesses turn audience engagement into sustainable revenue.

Speakers include Rania Masri El Khatib, CEO of The Giving Movement, who will discuss developing homegrown brands and expanding into new markets in a conversation moderated by designer and architect AlZaina Lootah. Singer Faia Younan will share her experience of crowdfunding artistic projects in a session moderated by Pirlanta Toubba.

The ‘Lightning Talks’ will feature Rashed Al Mulla, Founder and CEO of FRÍO, an Emirati brand specialising in sparkling and flavoured mineral water; designer Amal Al Beiti, Founder of Tiny Toaster Design Studio; Emirati entrepreneur Amal Al Marri, Co-Founder of Independent Food Company; and Patrick Abdo and Mitch Abdo, Founders of The Music Path. They will share their experiences of launching ventures and developing brands and businesses with the capacity to grow.

Participants can also develop their skills through ‘Creative Labs’, a series of practical workshops across three tracks: business and branding; artificial intelligence and digital technologies; and creative ideation and communication. The workshops will cover financial planning, brand identity, the use of emerging technologies, and techniques for developing and pitching ideas to partners and investors.

The programme will also feature the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition, which supports entrepreneurs and early-stage start-ups in the cultural and creative industries. Shortlisted participants will pitch their ventures to forum attendees and a judging panel comprising industry experts, investors and forum partners. The panel will assess the projects and select the winners, with cash prizes of AED 80,000, AED 50,000 and AED 30,000 for first, second and third place respectively. Winners will also receive additional prizes from the forum’s partners.