UAE Allocates AED150 Million For Content Creators, Announces New Headquarters For Influencers

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Prime Minister has allotted AED150 million to support content creators and establish a permanent influencers headquarters to transform the digital media sector in the country.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made this announcement during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, which has been organized by the New Media Academy in Dubai.

The two-day summit held at the Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future on Wednesday and Thursday also saw the graduation of 90 content creators from the "Social Media Professional Program" alongside the 4th cohort of "Faris Al Muhtawa" program.

"Today we issued directives to allocate a fund valued at AED 150 million to support content creators and transform the digital media sector. We also instructed the establishment of a permanent influencers headquarters that provides year-round support," Rashid Al Maktoum said as per WAM.

The announcement came just a few days after the CEO of New Media Academy Alia Al Hammadi shared that the UAE is increasing its support for the digital content production sector in the country.

Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the media's role in reflecting community aspirations. He emphasized the need for media to stay current with global knowledge and technology, refine its tools, and showcase the UAE's traditions and innovative youth on the global stage.

The Prime Minister also stressed the significance of content creation in conveying the UAE's narrative globally, showcasing its traditions, cultural feats, and creativity of its new generations.

"These steps align with our ongoing investment in creative talents who will write new inspiring stories that will add to the UAE's influential media presence on the global stage. Impactful media reflects the past and provides an inspiration for the future," he said.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Al Gergawi, who was also present during the event, noted that this permanent influencers headquarters will support content creators, talents and innovators to transform the digital media sector.

The permanent influencers headquarters will feature services such as a dedicated studio for filming, courses on storytelling, photography, broadcasting and platform management among other areas.

With this establishment, the UAE government aims to bring top influencers and content creators together and collaborate with the UAE Government Media Office and the New Media Academy to create content that would contribute to sustainable development goals.

"We aim to develop this promising sector by training national and Arab talents that can present valuable and enriching content. Our mission is not limited to attracting talents, but includes training and empowering them to become the leaders and makers of the future," he said.