Introduction
Hong Kong-based entrepreneur Kevin Poon has built a remarkable career at the crossroads of art, fashion, music, and culture. As the co-founder of CLOT, District, and now WOAW Gallery, Poon has emerged as one of Asia’s most influential creative figures.
In 2023, he expanded his internationally acclaimed WOAW Gallery to Dubai, establishing a vibrant bridge between Asian modern art and the Middle East’s new artistic hub. His journey represents not just business growth but the fusion of two creative forces: Hong Kong’s cultural pulse and Dubai’s global ambition.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Journey
Kevin Poon was born and raised in Hong Kong and later pursued his business studies in the United States. Upon returning home, he sought to merge his twin passions: creativity and commerce.
In 2003, Poon co-founded CLOT with his close friend Edison Chen, a fashion and lifestyle label that quickly became a pioneer in Asia’s streetwear scene. CLOT made history as one of the first Asian brands to collaborate with global giants such as Nike, Levi’s, and Converse, shaping youth culture across the continent.
Yet, fashion was only one chapter in his broader vision. Poon went on to launch District, a creative agency and distribution company introducing global lifestyle brands to Asia, and Elephant Grounds, a specialty coffee brand. Each of these ventures reflected his lifelong mission to connect cultures through creativity.
The Birth of WOAW Gallery
In 2019, Kevin Poon founded WOAW Gallery, short for World of Amazing Wonders in Hong Kong’s lively Central district.
He envisioned WOAW not merely as an art gallery but as a hybrid cultural space, a community hub where creativity, collaboration, and conversation would thrive.
WOAW Gallery showcases contemporary, experimental, and urban-inspired art, featuring both established and emerging global artists. Within a few years, it became a pillar of Hong Kong’s art scene, featuring artists such as Jonas Wood, Koak, King Kwong, and Charlie Roberts.
The gallery’s international presence expanded rapidly through pop-up collaborations in Seoul, Beijing, and Los Angeles, cementing its reputation as a platform that connects East and West.
Dubai Expansion: A Strategic Move
In 2023, Kevin Poon opened WOAW Gallery Dubai at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) one of the city’s most prestigious art and business hubs.
This expansion was a natural progression, aligning with Dubai’s rise as a global art capital, bolstered by flagship events like Art Dubai and Dubai Design Week, and government initiatives promoting creative industries.
Poon views Dubai as a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and collectors much like Hong Kong once was in Asia.
The move resonated with Dubai’s broader mission to become the cultural bridge between East and West.
Concept and Vision of WOAW Gallery Dubai
WOAW Dubai continues Poon’s mission to foster cross-cultural artistic dialogue, particularly between Asia and the Middle East.
The gallery features rotating exhibitions, curated collaborations, and immersive art installations that blend international and regional creativity. Its launch exhibition, Diary of a Madman, showcased a mix of Asian and Western contemporary artists setting the tone for the gallery’s inclusive and boundary-breaking identity.
WOAW Dubai has since evolved into a meeting ground for artists, curators, and collectors, offering an intimate yet cosmopolitan space for creative exchange.
| Gallery Name | WOAW Gallery Dubai |
| Founder | Kevin Poon |
| Founded (Dubai) | 2023 |
| Location | DIFC, Dubai |
| Art Orientation | Modern, Experimental, Urban-influenced |
| Target Audience | Collectors, Art Enthusiasts, Creative Professionals |
| Parent Brand | WOAW Gallery (Hong Kong) |
Business Model and Strategy
Kevin Poon’s approach to WOAW Gallery blends art business, brand storytelling, and cultural experience. Unlike traditional galleries, WOAW positions itself as a lifestyle brand, integrating art with fashion, design, and music.
Core elements of WOAW’s strategy include:
- Cross-Market Connectivity – Linking artists and collectors across Hong Kong, Seoul, Los Angeles, and Dubai.
- Identity-Driven Curation – Prioritizing culturally resonant, youth-oriented art rather than purely commercial works.
- Collaborations and Partnerships – Hosting joint projects with brands, designers, and musicians through pop-ups and limited editions.
- Global Yet Niche Positioning – Serving a global audience while maintaining local intimacy and authenticity.
- Fusion of Art + Lifestyle – Transforming the gallery into a space where art, fashion, and design intersect seamlessly.
Impact on Dubai’s Creative Scene
Kevin Poon’s entry into Dubai supports the city’s evolution into a global center for creativity and innovation.
WOAW Gallery acts as a bridge between Asian and Middle Eastern art markets, exposing collectors to fresh global perspectives and emerging artists from Hong Kong, Japan, and the U.S. West Coast.
The gallery’s youthful, inclusive vibe resonates deeply with Dubai’s millennial and Gen Z audiences, who view art as a lifestyle and identity statement.
By positioning WOAW as a creative hub, Poon contributes to Dubai’s ambition to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where art, business, and culture converge.
Kevin Poon’s Broader Creative Ecosystem
Beyond WOAW, Kevin Poon’s ventures together form a holistic creative network that spans multiple industries.
| Venture | Founded | Focus Area |
| CLOT | 2003 | Streetwear & fashion collaborations |
| District | 2006 | Brand distribution & creative strategy |
| Elephant Grounds | 2013 | Specialty coffee & lifestyle cafés |
| WOAW Gallery | 2019 | Contemporary art & cultural exchange |
Each project reflects Poon’s multidisciplinary vision, combining creativity, commerce, and community.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
- Cultural Crossovers Create Opportunity – Blending global and local ideas sparks innovation.
- Diversify with Purpose – Poon builds across industries, yet each venture shares a creative core.
- Community Over Commerce – Success comes from spaces people connect with, not just buy from.
- Adapt to Global Cities – Recognizing emerging creative capitals like Dubai is key to long-term growth.
- Authenticity Wins – WOAW’s success stems from fostering genuine connections between artists and audiences.
Conclusion
Kevin Poon’s story is more than a narrative of business expansion; it’s a testament to cultural vision and global collaboration.
By bringing WOAW Gallery to Dubai, he is redefining creative entrepreneurship and showcasing how art can transcend borders, connecting people, cities, and generations through shared passion and purpose.
Explore WOAW Gallery Dubai to discover upcoming exhibitions, featured artists, and Kevin Poon’s global art collaborations.
