Post by : Layla Badr
Dubai has once again taken a leading step in shaping the future of the digital world. The city will now host the first-ever YouTube Academy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), launched through a partnership between Creators HQ and YouTube. This big move was officially announced by the UAE Government Media Office on Friday, marking a new chapter in the region’s fast-growing content economy.
This academy is not just another training centre. It has been specially designed to give content creators the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to build strong and long-lasting careers on YouTube. The idea is to help creators make better-quality videos, explore different types of content, and reach audiences not just in the region but also worldwide.
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Why This Academy Matters for the Region
In today’s world, content creation is more than just a hobby—it has become a profession for millions of people. Many young talents in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and across the Arab world are choosing YouTube as their career platform. However, the path is not always easy. Building a sustainable career as a creator requires understanding analytics, learning monetisation methods, and building strong communities.
This is exactly where the YouTube Academy steps in. By offering advanced workshops and training led by YouTube experts, the academy will empower creators to grow in the right direction.
Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1Billion Followers Summit, explained that this academy will give creators practical guidance. They will learn how to use YouTube’s data and analytics tools, earn money through different monetisation options, and build loyal online communities.
According to her, this training will help creators secure a stable and sustainable future in the digital field.
A Vision Aligned with the UAE’s Goals
This initiative is more than just about content creation. It fits perfectly into the UAE’s larger vision of becoming a global leader in the digital economy. The country has been working on several projects to attract creative minds, support innovation, and make Dubai a hub for technology and media.
With the launch of the YouTube Academy, Dubai is strengthening its role as a global platform for creators. It is a step that not only benefits local talent but also encourages global partnerships and growth in the region’s content industry.
Creators HQ and YouTube: A Strong Collaboration
The YouTube Academy has been developed with the support of Creators HQ, a creator hub affiliated with Visioneers. Creators HQ has been working to support and connect creators by giving them access to resources, industry experts, and opportunities to expand.
In this collaboration, YouTube will bring its expertise in digital platforms, while Creators HQ will provide a strong network and practical support to creators. Together, they plan to make the academy a centre of excellence for training in the region.
Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube MENA, said that creators in this region are “the future of entertainment and the heart of the creator economy.” He stressed that YouTube is committed to supporting them in turning their passion into successful and long-term careers.
What the Academy Will Offer
The program will not be a simple training session. Instead, it will be a series of advanced workshops and courses. These will be led by professionals who understand the YouTube platform deeply.
Some of the key areas the academy will focus on include:
Analytics and Insights: Helping creators understand how their videos perform and how to improve them.
Monetisation: Teaching different ways to earn money on YouTube, such as ads, sponsorships, and memberships.
Community Building: Guiding creators on how to build strong and supportive audiences who engage with their content.
Artificial Intelligence in Content: Training on how AI tools can help in editing, production, and idea generation.
Amplifying Arabic Content Globally: Workshops will focus on making Arabic-language content reach larger international audiences.
By covering these areas, the academy aims to create creators who are not just successful locally, but also recognized globally.
Growth of YouTube in the MENA Region
The timing of this launch is important because YouTube has been experiencing massive growth in the MENA region. According to recent reports:
In Saudi Arabia, YouTube reached more than 20 million people aged 18 and above as of May 2024.
In the UAE, around 7.5 million people aged 18 and above were active users.
The number of YouTube channels in the UAE that earn over seven figures in local currency has increased by 15% year-over-year.
Countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt are seeing even faster growth.
These numbers show how deeply YouTube is integrated into daily life in the region. The platform is not only a source of entertainment but also a career path for thousands of people.
A Future Full of Opportunities
With the YouTube Academy now coming to Dubai, the future looks bright for creators across the Middle East and North Africa. They will no longer have to rely only on self-learning or trial-and-error methods. Instead, they will get direct access to expert knowledge, tools, and global opportunities.
This is also expected to create a ripple effect in the economy. As creators succeed, they inspire others, attract brands, and open doors for new jobs in production, editing, marketing, and more.
Moreover, by giving special attention to Arabic content, the academy will help strengthen the cultural identity of the region while also showcasing it to the world.
The launch of the first YouTube Academy in Dubai is a historic milestone for the Middle East and North Africa. It reflects the UAE’s determination to lead the way in the creator economy and support the next generation of digital storytellers.
Through its partnership with Creators HQ, YouTube is investing in talent, innovation, and creativity. The academy will not only empower creators with skills but also connect them with opportunities that can transform their lives.
In the coming years, as more creators join this journey, Dubai is set to become the beating heart of digital content in the Arab world.
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