In a strategic move to position itself as a global innovation hub, Dubai has launched the highly anticipated Creators HQ at Emirates Towers.
Backed by a formidable AED 150 million ($40.8 million) Content Creators Support Fund, this initiative aims to attract 10,000 influencers to the UAE, offering a comprehensive support system to fuel their growth.
The announcement was made during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, which brought together over 15,000 content creators, more than 420 speakers and 125 CEO and experts from around the world.
Dubai Creators HQ
Creators HQ is officially launching with 100 members, representing the world’s finest content creators, as well as enablers and supporters of the content industry. These early members come from more than 20 countries, further highlighting the global appeal and scope of the initiative.
The project has already garnered endorsement and support from over 15 of the world’s leading names in written and visual content, including Meta, TikTok, X, Spotter, Creator Now, Tube Filter, Epidemic Sound, and the New Media Academy.
The launch of the Creators HQ is a pivotal step in Dubai’s vision to become the ultimate digital hub for influencers and content creators across all stages of their careers. The facility isn’t just a workspace but an all-encompassing resource designed to empower creators, amplify their impact, and establish sustainable frameworks for the booming creator economy.
“Launching a Creators HQ in the UAE is a major step that supports the nation’s objective of maximizing the positive impact of content and its role in community development. Our main aim is for global content creators to gather in the UAE, renowned for its cultural diversity, where they will find support, and connect to funding and investors so they can innovate and expand their reach,” said Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs.
Key Highlights
- Dubai Creators HQ launches with 100 members from over 20 countries, including the world’s top content creators and enablers from various digital industries.
- The US$40 million fund will provide financial backing and resources to creators, innovators, and initiatives within the sector.
- The move aims to attract 10,000 influencers to establish the Emirates as a premier destination for digital content creators.
- The initiative offers content creators the chance to apply for the UAE’s Golden Visa, providing long-term residency without needing a national sponsor.
- Meta, TikTok, X, and other global leaders have already endorsed the project, highlighting its international appeal and the UAE’s growing influence in the digital media landscape.
Comprehensive Support for Creators
What sets the Dubai Creators HQ apart from traditional co-working spaces is its full-service approach to supporting digital talent. The facility offers a range of services, including assistance with UAE Golden Visa applications, relocation support, and guidance for setting up businesses. Creators can also access mentorship, funding, and tailored workshops aimed at honing vital skills such as branding, video production, and audience engagement.
With plans to host more than 300 events and workshops annually, Creators HQ is positioned to become a key player in nurturing the next generation of creators. The facility is designed to attract and support diverse talent, including social media influencers, digital content creators and their enablers, podcasters, and visual artists.
This global network of influencers, brands, and experts underscores the initiative’s potential to make a significant impact on the digital content landscape. The diverse mix of participants will play a crucial role in establishing the UAE as a global hub for creativity and digital innovation.
Creators HQ partners with Meta
A significant development in the launch of Creators HQ is its partnership with Meta, aimed at empowering creators in the region through the “Creators for Purpose” program.
This initiative, unveiled during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, focuses on enabling creators to produce content that promotes positivity and social good on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Meta’s collaboration with Dubai underscores the UAE’s growing prominence as a hub for digital media and content creation.
Moon Baz, Global Partnerships Lead for Africa, Middle East and Turkey at Meta, said that this partnership aligns with the shared mission to support and promote content that fosters positive societal growth. “Our goal is to empower creative content creators who produce meaningful, original, and innovative material, providing them with the tools to reach broader audiences, sustain their efforts, and showcase their exceptional contributions,” Baz said.
“This program highlights the anticipated transformative impact of Creators HQ in shaping the future of content creation. It highlights the shift from traditional media to digital platforms, which now drive societal narratives and values, shaping the future and prosperity of communities worldwide,” Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, said.
Golden Visa Program for Content Creators
One of the standout features of the Creators HQ initiative is its integration with the UAE’s coveted Golden Visa program, designed to offer long-term residency to international talent.
Content creators will receive direct assistance with their applications for the Golden Visa, allowing them to stay in the UAE for five to ten years without the need for a national sponsor or regular renewals. This initiative offers an enticing incentive for global creators looking for stability, flexibility, and access to a thriving digital ecosystem
By integrating the Golden Visa into its offerings, Creators HQ enhances Dubai’s appeal as a prime destination for top-tier digital talent. This strategic alignment not only provides creators with long-term stability but also unlocks unmatched support and growth opportunities by offering access to partnerships with leading social media platforms, streaming services, gaming and esports companies, as well as virtual and augmented reality developers and AI and machine learning startups.
