Imaginative people like you help shape our society, aspirations and culture. You bring different perspectives. You spark new ideas. You dream. You dare. You pioneer. And you can inspire others to do the same. Let the journey begin...

WHO ARE WE?

We are creative lab, part of twofour54° ibtikar - Abu Dhabi's financing and support platform for talented businesses and individuals, media professionals and entrepreneurs across the Arab media and entertainment industries.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Provide guidance, training, funding and support to creative Arab individuals visionaries for innovative projects across TV, radio, film, publishing, online, mobile, music, gaming, animation and the arts. We offer funding for individuals and startup businesses.

WHY DO WE DO IT?

To build an ambitious, independent media industry - one idea, one business, one person at a time. We want to open new creative and media horizons across the Arab world.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Whether you are a student exploring a career in media or a creative entrepreneur with a business idea that needs funding, creative lab will inspire, guide and connect you with the right people to jumpstart your career.

With individuals, our particular focus is on creative people who can deliver projects (TV pilots, short films, magazines, etc.), media enthusiasts interested in working on different initiatives and entrepreneurs keen on launching new start-up media and content businesses. When it comes to empowering businesses, our core focus is on backing Arabic content businesses across all areas of media and entertainment through two in-house bodies - the ventures and content divisions.

HOW DO WE AIM TO FOSTER A CREATIVE SCENE?

By building a community of creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs; helping them find collaborators, mentors, incubators and business partners; and finally, training and funding exceptional ideas.

WHERE DOES THIS COMMUNITY EXIST?

Primarily in the online sphere, as a cohesive web community for Arab creative individuals in the region. The creative lab website (www.creativelab.ae) is the starting point for everyone with an idea.

Through the online community, we are in the perfect position to support, mentor, connect, guide and inspire you in the direction of your dreams. As our online community grows, it will gradually be supported by offline, 'real world' events and networking gatherings.

WHERE DO YOU COME IN?

Your success will inspire others to join the community, in turn driving them to transform their ideas into ones that are eligible for funding. You may also choose to become more involved with us by developing content as a contributor, reporting on events in the region or mentoring individuals.

You will play a direct and highly visible role in the transformation of the region's creative climate.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

The community we're nurturing has a lot to offer every creative person. Your contributions online will lead to opportunities for fan meet-ups, presentations at our off-line events, publicity for your ongoing projects, speaking or training engagements... and even potentially lucrative business partnerships of your own.

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE?

Get involved! Give us your story, your expertise or your point of view in any form you want – text, video, slides, photos, animation or voice. We often provide topic suggestions but are open to discussing any other kind of theme you would like to touch upon.

You could become a regular contributor to creative lab or participate just this one time.

WHAT'S IN THE PIPELINE?

For interesting profiles on our projects (both completed and upcoming), sign up for the creative lab newsletter and we'll send you a heads-up as and when they get published online.