YouTube and Creators HQ Launch First Academy in MENA
Creators HQ has partnered with YouTube to establish the first-ever YouTube Academy in the Middle East and North Africa. The initiative is designed to empower creators, enhance digital skills, and strengthen the region’s role in the global creator economy. The Academy will serve as a hub for training, education, and innovation, offering creators the tools and resources needed to thrive.
From advanced workshops to specialized programs, participants will receive hands-on training in analytics, monetisation, production, and audience growth. Moreover, the collaboration aligns with the UAE’s vision of building a strong content economy and reinforces the commitment to supporting creators in MENA with actionable, in-depth knowledge.
Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube Middle East and North Africa, said, “We believe that creators in MENA are the future of entertainment and the heart of the creator economy. Our collaboration with Creators HQ allows us to expand our support, ensuring more creators have the resources to turn their passion into a thriving, long-term career on YouTube.”
Supporting Regional Growth in the Creator Economy
The launch of the Academy coincides with the platform’s rising influence across the region. In May 2024, YouTube reached more than 20 million people in Saudi Arabia and 7.5 million in the UAE over the age of 18. Additionally, the number of UAE-based channels earning seven figures or more in local currency grew by 15 percent year on year. At the same time, Saudi Arabia saw a 40 percent increase, and Egypt witnessed a 60 percent rise.
Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1Billion Followers Summit, stated, “We believe that our collaboration with YouTube will empower content creators with the skills and expertise needed to build a thriving creative community. This will support the content economy in the UAE and the region while solidifying the UAE’s position as a global hub for creativity.”
Building for the Future of Content Creation
Future initiatives under this partnership will feature specialized programs exploring the role of artificial intelligence in content creation. Furthermore, workshops will focus on amplifying the reach of Arabic content globally, helping diversify opportunities for creators across multiple markets.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward building an innovative ecosystem that fosters creativity, collaboration, and sustainable growth. By combining local vision with global expertise, the Academy aims to ensure that creators across MENA have the guidance, skills, and tools to succeed in an increasingly competitive digital economy.
