YouTube to Launch First-Ever MENA Creator Academy in Dubai Amid Regional Boom In a major strategic investment in the region's booming creator economy, YouTube is partnering with Creators HQ to launch the Middle East and North Africa’s first YouTube Academy in Dubai. The new hub is designed to empower the next generation of digital storytellers with structured training, advanced workshops, and direct support from YouTube experts. This move is a direct response to the explosive growth in YouTube content creation across the region. The launch comes as the number of UAE-based channels earning seven-figure incomes has grown by 15% year-on-year, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt seeing even more dramatic increases of 40% and 60%, respectively. The academy represents a significant step by the global video giant to formalize and professionalize the creator ecosystem in the MENA region. By providing a dedicated talent incubator, YouTube is building a sustainable pipeline of high-quality, brand-safe content and creating a clearer pathway for creators to turn their passion into a viable business. The initiative will offer tailored support to help emerging creators refine their skills, explore diverse formats like Shorts and live streaming, and grow their audiences across multiple screens, including mobile and connected TV. For the broader media and advertising industry, the YouTube Academy signals the maturation of the regional creator market, promising a more skilled talent pool and new opportunities for high-impact brand collaborations.
