YouTube and Creators HQ are establishing YouTube Academy powered by Creators HQ, the first joint educational program targeting content creators in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The initiative launched September 12, supporting the UAE Media Office’s creator economy vision.

The program features quarterly in-person masterclasses led by YouTube product and strategy specialists, providing training, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities for regional creators. The partnership aims to accelerate growth across key content verticals while developing diverse creator voices.

The YouTube Academy represents the latest development in Dubai’s broader strategy to become a global creator economy center. Creators HQ, established in January at Emirates Towers during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, forms part of the AED 150 million (~$40M) Content Creators Support Fund announced under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directives.

The Dubai-based facility says it aims to bring 10,000 creators to the UAE, with membership benefits including Golden Visa nomination assistance and company registration support. The facility also organizes a range of workshops and events throughout the year.

Growing Platform Training Ecosystem

The YouTube initiative follows TikTok’s June partnership with Creators HQ to launch UAE’s first “TikTok x Creators HQ Bootcamp,” a five-day program providing hands-on training for regional creators with 10,000+ followers.

According to research shared by TikTok in partnership with consulting firm Kearney, the UAE’s live streaming market is projected to grow from $1.9 billion to $3.4 billion by 2030, while the broader Middle East and North Africa region could reach $17.8 billion.

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