Bedaoius, ArtDep, and MADE win big at Dubai Culture’s Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition, spotlighting innovation and cultural impact.
DUBAI: Dubai’s booming creative scene got a major boost this week as Dubai Culture and Arts Authority wrapped up the third Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum, naming the winners of its high-impact start-up competition. The two-day event at Al Khayat Avenue brought together cultural entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries to share ideas, build networks, and celebrate the future of Dubai’s creative economy.
Topping the winners list was Bedaoius, a digital gaming venture inspired by local heritage, founded by Hamad Khoory, who claimed first prize and AED 80,000. In second place, Sofia Khmelidze took home AED 50,000 for ArtDep, a platform curating cultural experiences and art events. Third went to Nizar Ahmadi, founder of MADE, a platform connecting creative talent with industry players, earning AED 30,000.
The competition received a wide range of applications, with seven finalists pitching live to a panel of judges from Dubai Sports Council, AW Rostamani, the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, and creative agency Rite. Submissions were evaluated for innovation, market viability, social impact, and sustainability — all through the lens of cultural enrichment and economic relevance.
Beyond the cash awards, the winners received an expansive support package from partners including Oraseya Capital, LinkedIn, In5, Zoho, Letswork, Innov8, and TiE Dubai. Prizes included co-working access, platform credits, venture mentorship, branding support, and access to business consultancy services.
The forum’s agenda also featured a rich mix of talks and workshops. Highlights included:
- A keynote by Mohamed Saeed Harib, creator of Freej, on storytelling and collaboration
- A fireside chat with Mo Gawdat and Omar Butti exploring AI and creativity
- A session with Chef Mohamad Orfali and Devina Divecha on success beyond awards
Workshops like Rock Your Profile (LinkedIn), Empathetic Entrepreneurship (DIDI), and Unlocking IP for Creatives (Dubai Economy and Tourism) equipped creatives with actionable tools for business growth.
Khulood Khoory, Director of Projects and Events at Dubai Culture, said the forum has become a vital platform supporting creative entrepreneurship in the emirate: “It’s more than a competition — it’s an ecosystem for growth, dialogue, and visibility. We aim to empower talents with tools, mentorship, and opportunities to grow globally from Dubai.”
As the emirate continues shaping itself as a global hub for the creative economy, events like this reflect its commitment to backing innovation, nurturing cultural diversity, and turning creative ideas into scalable businesses.
