DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The traditional way of finding work in the UAE’s modeling and entertainment industry may be changing.
For years, many models, actors and entertainers have relied on talent agencies, personal referrals and private WhatsApp groups to hear about casting calls. While that system has worked for some, many talented performers have struggled to access genuine opportunities simply because they lacked the right industry connections.
A new Dubai-based platform, GulfGotTalents, is aiming to change that by allowing verified businesses to search for and hire talent directly through a digital marketplace.
The launch comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for advertising, film production, fashion, digital content and live events, creating growing demand for professional talent across multiple industries.
The UAE Creative Industry Is Growing Faster Than Ever
From television commercials and feature films to influencer campaigns and corporate events, the UAE has seen significant growth in creative productions over the past decade.
With more productions taking place, businesses need faster access to reliable talent. At the same time, performers want a simpler and more transparent way to find paid work.
Industry observers say traditional hiring methods have struggled to keep pace with this growth. Many casting opportunities remain limited to agency databases, personal contacts or private messaging groups, making it difficult for new talent to enter the industry.
Digital platforms are now beginning to fill that gap.
A Marketplace Designed for Direct Hiring
Unlike traditional talent directories, GulfGotTalents operates as a searchable hiring marketplace.
Verified production companies, advertising agencies, event organizers, photographers and brands can search profiles using filters such as profession, age, gender, nationality, language, location and experience.
Models, actors, influencers, presenters, promoters, musicians, dancers and other performers can create professional profiles free of charge, upload portfolios, headshots, videos and work experience, allowing businesses to contact suitable candidates directly.
The platform is designed to reduce hiring time while giving performers greater visibility without depending entirely on agency representation.
Built on Years of Industry Experience
Although the digital marketplace is new, the company behind it is not.
Before launching the platform, GulfGotTalents operated within the UAE casting and entertainment industry, supporting more than 5,500 casting, promotional and entertainment projects across the country.
That experience helped identify recurring challenges faced by both businesses and performers.
Companies often struggled to find suitable talent quickly, while many qualified performers found it difficult to access genuine paid opportunities despite having the required skills and experience.
Founder Says Technology Can Create Fairer Access
The platform was founded by Faizan Mustak Bhadeliya, who has worked in the casting and entertainment industry for more than 11 years, contributing to Bollywood productions, Hollywood projects, television commercials, music videos and advertising campaigns.
According to Bhadeliya, the objective was not to replace agencies but to improve access to opportunities through technology.
“For years, we saw talented people miss opportunities simply because they weren’t connected to the right networks. We wanted to build a platform where skills, experience and portfolios become easier to discover, giving both performers and businesses a faster and more transparent way to connect.”
Why Many Models and Actors Are Paying Attention
For performers, the platform offers several practical advantages:
- Free professional profile creation
- Direct visibility to verified companies
- Verified business accounts to improve trust
- Portfolio, headshot and video uploads
- Searchable profiles across multiple talent categories
- Opportunities across advertising, film, television, events, social media and digital campaigns
Supporters believe this approach gives performers greater control over their careers while helping businesses discover talent more efficiently.
Reflecting a Global Shift in Talent Hiring
Direct hiring marketplaces have transformed industries such as hospitality, transportation and freelance services over the past decade.
Many believe the creative industry is beginning a similar transition.
Instead of relying exclusively on closed agency networks, businesses increasingly want searchable databases that provide immediate access to verified professionals.
For performers, this means more opportunities to be discovered based on their skills and portfolios rather than personal connections alone.
What It Means for UAE Performers
As Dubai continues attracting international productions and creative investment, demand for qualified talent is expected to continue growing.
Industry professionals say platforms that improve transparency, simplify hiring and expand access to verified opportunities could play an increasingly important role in the UAE’s entertainment ecosystem.
Whether GulfGotTalents becomes the industry’s preferred marketplace remains to be seen.
However, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: many performers are looking for more direct ways to connect with the companies that hire them.
For UAE models, actors and entertainers, that shift may already be underway.
Follow on Instagram: @gulfgottalents
