In addition to providing financial support to content creators in the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed has revealed plans for the establishment of a dedicated permanent headquarters tailored for these creative individuals.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has directed the allocation of a fund worth AED150m ($40.84m) to support content creators and establish a permanent influencers headquarters providing year-round support.
This announcement took place during the 1 Billion Followers Summit organised by the New Media Academy in Dubai. The summit witnessed the graduation of 90 content creators as part of the ‘Social Media Professional Programme’ and the fourth cohort of Faris Al Muhtawa.
Gathering more than 3,000 influencers, content creators, and 195 speakers from 95 countries at the Museum of the Future and Emirates Towers, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the role of media as a true mirror of communities and people’s aspirations. He highlighted the importance of evolving media concepts and tools to keep up with global knowledge, sciences, and technologies.
The newly allocated fund aims to support content creators and transform the digital media sector. Sheikh Mohammed also instructed the establishment of a permanent influencer headquarters to provide ongoing support and contribute to the UAE’s influential global media presence.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of content creation as a tool that conveys the UAE’s story to the world, and a window into its traditions, cultural accomplishments, and the creativity of its new generations that turns ideas into reality and drives the progress of humanity.
“Today we issued directives to allocate a fund valued at AED 150m 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. 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 explained.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, emphasised that the establishment of a permanent influencers headquarters aligns with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision, supporting content creators, talents, and innovators to transform the digital media sector.
The fund, dedicated to supporting content creators, offers opportunities for them to fulfil their potential, grow their business, and showcase the achievements and ambitions of the Emirati people globally. It aims to solidify the UAE’s position as a global capital for digital content.
The permanent influencers headquarters, a collaboration between the UAE Government Media Office and the New Media Academy, will benefit media professionals and social media influencers, offering services such as a dedicated studio, storytelling courses, photography, broadcasting, and platform management.
The fund seeks to support the development of highly creative and impactful content, attract investments in new media, and encourage the development of contemporary local content that serves the UAE’s future aspirations.
The announcement also highlighted the importance of training courses in supporting a new generation of content creators both locally and regionally, empowering them to become leaders and contributors to the nation-building mission.
