Startup founders fresh out of college, a 15-year-old running a recycling business, a United Nations award-winner, and even the first neurodivergent athlete to break an inline skating world record they all came together under one roof in Dubai to celebrate ambition and innovation.
The occasion was the KT+150 Networking Night, hosted at Chic Nonna, where the UAE’s brightest young minds across industries from AI, fashion, finance, esports, food and real estate to arts, sports and social impact gathered in a celebration of creativity and community.
The event was anything but formal. Set against Chic Nonna’s warm lighting and intimate corners, conversations flowed easily as entrepreneurs, athletes, coders, and creatives exchanged stories, applauded one another’s achievements, and explored collaborations.
And then came the magic literally. Global magician Drummond Money-Coutts appeared with a vintage suitcase and a deck of cards, dazzling the audience with sleight-of-hand tricks before mingling with the listmakers. Later, he praised the “infectious energy” in the room and the inspiring conversations that unfolded throughout the evening.
Midway through the night, Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer of Khaleej Times, took to the stage to thank attendees for bringing the KT+150 list to life. He also announced a bigger moment ahead: the KT+150 Summit on November 27. “Tonight is just the beginning,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
By the close of the evening, business cards, ideas, and Instagram handles had been shared but more importantly, the participants left with a sense of collective momentum.
What stood out most was the atmosphere: the ease with which conversations leapt from AI to fashion, health to esports; the way strangers quickly became collaborators; and the way everyone felt part of something larger than themselves.
Latifa Elnour, founder of luxury skincare brand Ashri Skin and a KT+150 listmaker, described the recognition as both an honour and a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to nurturing talent.
“This is just one example of how Dubai can be a hub for innovation and a supporter of businesses,” she said.
The night was a reminder that beyond accolades, the KT+150 is about building a community of visionaries who are redefining what’s possible together.
