Invested in
the business of culture and creativity

Mobilizing concepts, strategies, and capital to build up companies in the Cultural, Creative, and Tourism Industries (CCTI) in the Middle East and Africa. 

Invested in
the business of culture and creativity

Mobilizing concepts, strategies, and capital to build up companies in the Cultural, Creative, and Tourism Industries (CCTI) in the Middle East and Africa.

Social and economic contributions of the Cultural, Creative, and Tourism Industries (CCTI) are evident

The numbers are telling us that there is room for growth in Middle East and Africa

1.5+

Billion People

19% of the world’s
population in 2019

Entrepreneurs from the Middle East and Africa during a creative discussion

58

Billion USD

3% of global CCI
revenues in 2015

2.4

Million Jobs

8% of global CCI
employment in 2015

200

Million Tourists

14% of international
tourist arrivals

180

Billion USD

10% of international
tourism receipts

Tourist taking a selfie with backdrop of natural heritage in Africa, Safari

Social and economic contributions of the cultural, creative, and tourism sectors are evident

Numbers indicate significant potential for growth in the Middle East and Africa

1.5+

Billion People

20% of the world's population in 2019

58

Billion USD

3% of global CCI
revenues in 2015

Entrepreneurs from the Middle East and Africa during a creative discussion

2.4

Million Jobs

8% of global CCI
employment in 2015

Fashion design and entrepreneur in her studio

200

Million Tourists

15% of international
tourist arrivals

180

Billion USD

10% of international
tourism receipts

Cultural and creative sectors co-exist, interact, and continue to evolve with technology

For entrepreneurs, the combinations are infinite. Here are the building blocks.

Cultural & Natural Heritage

The collective efforts, policies, and activities aimed at preserving, managing, and promoting tangible and intangible cultural elements and natural landscapes of significance to society. This includes archeological and historical sites, parks, and museums.

Performance & Celebration

Activities, events, and gatherings that involve artistic or cultural presentations, often in the form of music, dance, theater, festivals, feasts, fairs, or rituals, for the purpose of entertainment, cultural expression, or commemoration.

Visual Arts & Crafts

The creation, production, and exhibition of visual artworks and crafts, which include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, photography, new media art, and other forms of artistic expression.

Books & Press

The creation, publication, distribution, and dissemination of written materials physically or digitally, including books, newspapers, magazines, and publications, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge, information, and literary works.

Cultural Tourism

Sustainable travel and tourism activities that focus on experiencing and exploring the cultural heritage, traditions, arts, and historical sites of a destination, offering visitors opportunities for cultural enrichment and cross-cultural exchange.

Audiovisual and Interactive Media

The creation, production, distribution, and consumption of audiovisual content, including film, television, video games and e-sports, virtual reality experiences, and interactive digital media, as means of storytelling, entertainment, education, and communication.

Cultural and creative sectors co-exist, interact, and continue to evolve with technology

For creatives and entrepreneurs, the combinations are infinite. Here are the building blocks.

Cultural & Natural Heritage
Encompasses the collective efforts, policies, and activities aimed at preserving, managing, and promoting the tangible and intangible cultural elements and natural landscapes of significance to society. This includes archeological and historical sites, parks, and museums.
Performance & Celebration
Activities, events, and gatherings that involve artistic or cultural presentations, often in the form of music, dance, theater, festivals, feasts, fairs, or rituals, for the purpose of entertainment, cultural expression, or commemoration.
Visual Arts & Crafts
The creation, production, and exhibition of visual artworks and crafts, which include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, photography, new media art, and other forms of artistic expression.
Books & Press
The creation, publication, distribution, and dissemination of written and materials physically or digitally, including books, newspapers, magazines, and digital publications, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge, information, and literary works.
Cultural Tourism
Sustainable travel and tourism activities that focus on experiencing and exploring the cultural heritage, traditions, arts, and historical sites of a destination, offering visitors opportunities for cultural enrichment and cross-cultural exchange.
Audiovisual and Interactive Media
Audiovisual and Interactive Media film and Video, Radio and TV including online streaming, podcasting, videogames, and online gaming (e-sports). The creation, production, distribution, and consumption of audiovisual content, including film, television, video games and e-sports, virtual reality experiences, and interactive digital media, as a means of storytelling, entertainment, education, and communication.

Entrepreneurs run creative and cultural businesses on passion for years

Originative is adding more to the equation by collaborating with visionaries like you

Are you an Entrepreneur?

You founded or run a business related to culture, creativity, or tourism in the Middle East or Africa

Struggling with Funds?

You have exhausted personal, family, and friends, financial resources

Looking for Guidance?

You want to grow your company and need guidance and investment

Get in touch now and tell us about your business!

Millennia of civilizations inspire us to create for today and tomorrow

The earliest written laws, the Code of Ur-Nammu and the Code of Hammurabi, reflect the importance of justice and order in these ancient civilizations.

    - Mesopotamia (Sumer and Babelyon) -

    They invented the 365-day solar calendar, the concept of ma'at or cosmic balance, and their masterwork, the Pyramids of Giza, continue to baffle us to this date.

      - Ancient Egypt -

      These accomplished seafarers and traders shaped the history of the Mediterranean and developed the alphabet that became the precursor of western writing systems.

        - Phoenicia and Ancient Carthage -

        Known for their trade networks, connecting the Mediterranean region with the Indian Ocean and the spice route, highlighting their economic influence.

          - Ancient Arabian Kingdoms (Minaean, Sabaean, Ḥimyarite, and Nabataeans) -

          Their obelisks and the Church of St. Mary of Zion signify the cultural and religious heritage in the Horn of Africa.

            - Kingdom of Aksum -

            Pyramids and tombs showcase their rich history and architecture along the Nile River.

              - Kerma and Kush -

              The Trans-Saharan trade routes passing through these regions contributed to their wealth and cultural exchange.

                - Kingdom of Ghana or Wagadu -

                Damascus, Baghdad, and Cordoba played a crucial role in preserving, advancing, and transmitting knowledge from antiquity, including Greek philosophy and scientific discoveries.

                  - Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates -

                  Timbuktu, a center of learning and trade, exemplifies the intellectual and economic achievements in West Africa. Mali Empire's ruler, Mansa Musa, is considered the richest man in history.

                    - The Empires of Mali and Songhai –

                    The Great Enclosure in southern Africa reveals the architectural and cultural achievements of these kingdoms, which also excelled at intricate goldwork and trade, linking the southern African interior and the Indian Ocean.

                      - Mapungubwe, Zimbabwe, and Mutapa Kingdoms –

                      Known for their diplomacy and trade, creating a written language, and for artistic traditions including sculpture, pottery, vibrant oral traditions, music, and dance.

                        - African Kingdom of Kongo -

                        Their capital, Benin City, exemplified urban planning and architectural excellence and their intricate bronze and brass sculptures are considered some of the finest examples of African artistry.

                          - Kingdom of Benin -

                          Known for architectural and engineering marvels such as the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, the empire was also a fertile ground for literature and poetry.

                            - Ottoman Empire -

                            Partners thrive when creative and cultural businesses grow

                            Originative is bridging the gap by collaborating with advocates like you

                            Interested in Cultural Sectors?

                            You represent a government entity, an institute, or a company seeking to develop the culture, creativity, and tourism in the Middle East and Africa

                            Want to Promote Creative Ideas?

                            You are a patron of the arts, you have always supported homegrown concepts developed by family, friends, community, and professional creators

                            Are you Looking to Invest?

                            You are an angel investor, a family office, or a fund looking to invest in cultural, creative, or tourism startups and businesses

                            How can we work together?

                            Connecting creativity and commerce for sustainable growth

                            Originative is a bridge for dialogue and effective collaboration between cultural and creative businesses and the public, policymakers, and investors.

                            Working with entrepreneurs to develop concepts and strategies for sustainable growth while raising awareness and advocating for favorable policies and financial support from partners.

                            Founder & MD
                            Abeer Abu Shmeis

                            Our team

                            Nelson Hoyles

                            Nelson Hoyles

                            CEO & Founder

                            Marvin Morales

                            Marvin Morales

                            Co-Founder

                            Violet Wilcher

                            Violet Wilcher

                            Head of Marketing

                            Astrid Bourn

                            Astrid Bourn

                            Business Analyst

                            The Stories That Shape Us

                            Coming soon…

                            We'd love to hear from you!

                            Do you have a question, a request, or a proposal? Write to us.

                            Our Email

                            collaborate@originativecapital.com