Creators HQ And YouTube Collaborate To Launch First YouTube Academy In MENA Region

Creators HQ, a pioneering content creator hub in the UAE and Middle East, has partnered with YouTube to introduce the first YouTube Academy in the region. This initiative aims to empower local content creators, aligning with the UAE's vision to enhance the content economy through collaborations with major platforms and global tech firms.

YouTube Academy is designed to provide creators with tools, resources, and expertise to improve their skills across various formats on YouTube. It will help emerging creators bring their ideas to life and build audiences by offering actionable insights and direct connections rather than generic advice.

Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube Middle East and North Africa, stated, "We believe that creators in MENA are the future of entertainment & the heart of the creator economy. Our collaboration with CreatorsHQ allows us to expand our support, ensuring more creators have the resources to turn their passion into a thriving, long-term career on YouTube." He further emphasised their commitment to empowering storytellers who shape regional culture.

Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1Billion Followers Summit, remarked on the collaboration's potential. "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."

The academy will offer advanced workshops, training courses, and specialised initiatives led by experts. These programmes aim to provide creators with in-depth knowledge about analytics tools, monetisation strategies, and community-building techniques. This approach ensures a stable future for creators in this rapidly evolving sector.

In May 2024, YouTube reached over 20 million people in Saudi Arabia and 7.5 million people in the UAE aged 18 or older. This underscores its role as a leading streaming platform within the creator economy. The initiative aims to elevate digital content quality and diversity further.

Fostering Growth in Content Creation

YouTube has witnessed significant growth among content creators. Increases in channels earning seven figures or more locally were noted: 15% in the UAE, 40% in Saudi Arabia, and 60% in Egypt year over year. This collaboration seeks to nurture creativity and growth for regional content creators.

The partnership between Creators HQ and YouTube reflects a shared dedication to empowering content creators and strengthening this emerging economy. It aims to cultivate an ecosystem fostering creativity and innovation throughout the region.

Future joint initiatives are planned to broaden this collaboration's scope. These will include specialised training on using artificial intelligence in digital content creation and interactive workshops focused on expanding Arabic content's global reach.

This collaboration is part of YouTube's ongoing efforts to support Middle Eastern and North African content creators. By creating an innovative ecosystem that enhances skills in data analysis and production, it enables sustainable careers on YouTube.

With inputs from WAM