YouTube Academy launches in Dubai to boost MENA creators
The UAE has taken another big step in building the region’s digital content economy. In partnership with Creators HQ, YouTube has launched the first YouTube Academy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The new Academy, announced in Dubai, will train creators with the skills they need to grow, earn, and share their work with the world.
What is the YouTube Academy?
The YouTube Academy is a new program designed to support creators in MENA. It will give them:
- Training in analytics, monetisation, and audience growth
- Hands-on workshops and masterclasses with YouTube experts
- Guidance on how to use AI in content creation
- Help in promoting Arabic content to global audiences
This project is not only about videos. It’s about giving creators the tools to turn their passion into a stable career.
Why Dubai and why now?
Dubai is already home to many global tech and media projects. The UAE Government sees the creator economy as a major part of the future. Launching the Academy in Dubai shows the country’s commitment to becoming a leading hub for digital talent.
As Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office, explained, the program will give creators the skills to succeed long-term. They will learn not just how to make content but also how to earn from it and build strong communities online.
What creators will learn
The Academy will cover everything a modern creator needs:
- Analytics: Understanding numbers and data to grow faster
- Monetisation: Learning how to earn from ads, brand deals, and other tools
- Community building: Engaging with fans and turning them into loyal followers
- AI skills: Using new technology to make content smarter and more creative
- Global reach: Taking Arabic content beyond borders to new audiences
Why it matters for MENA
The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for YouTube.
- In Saudi Arabia, YouTube reaches more than 20 million people over 18.
- In the UAE, more than 7.5 million adults watch YouTube regularly.
- The number of channels in the UAE making seven-figure earnings has grown by 15% year-on-year.
This shows that the region is ready for more professional support. The YouTube Academy is coming at the right time.
Opportunities for Arabic creators
One of the biggest goals of the Academy is to amplify Arabic voices. With the right training, local creators can:
- Share their culture with the world
- Reach new global audiences
- Compete with international creators
- Strengthen the presence of Arabic content online
Quotes from leaders
Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube MENA, said:
“Creators in MENA are the future of entertainment and the heart of the creator economy. With this Academy, we want to give them the resources to build long-term success.”
Alia AlHammadi added that the Academy will help creators use tools like analytics and AI to build stronger, more stable careers.
Bigger picture: How this helps the UAE
This is not just about YouTube. The Academy supports wider goals:
- Economic growth: Helping people build careers outside of traditional jobs
- Cultural reach: Sharing Arabic stories with the world
- Innovation: Training people to use new digital and AI tools
- Community growth: Creating spaces where creators can learn and collaborate
By hosting the first Academy in Dubai, the UAE shows its ambition to be the leading global hub for creators and digital content.
What comes next
The Academy will run advanced workshops and training courses in the coming months. These will include:
- Quarterly masterclasses with YouTube experts
- AI workshops for smart content creation
- Sessions on Arabic content growth and global expansion
- Community meetups for collaboration and networking
More joint projects between Creators HQ and YouTube are already being planned.
Why this is exciting for creators
If you are a content creator in MENA, this is your chance to:
- Learn directly from YouTube professionals
- Understand how to grow a channel faster
- Earn better through monetisation strategies
- Join a supportive community of creators
- Take your content to a global audience
The YouTube Academy will make a real difference for anyone who wants to turn their creative ideas into a long-term career.
