His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a significant initiative during the 1 Billion Followers Summit organized by the New Media Academy in Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed directed the allocation of a Dh150 million fund to support content creators and establish a permanent influencers headquarters that provides year-round support.
Emphasizing the importance of media as a reflection of communities and people’s aspirations, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the need for media to stay abreast of global knowledge, sciences, and technologies. He underscored the role of content creation as a powerful tool to convey the UAE’s story, traditions, cultural achievements, and the creativity of its new generations.
The newly announced Dh150 million fund aims to support content creators in developing creative and impactful content, honing their skills, and entering global markets to showcase the UAE’s achievements and cultural contributions. The initiative also seeks to attract investments in the rapidly growing new media sector, fostering storytelling and empowering local content creation.
As part of this initiative, a permanent influencers headquarters will be established through collaboration between the UAE Government Media Office and the New Media Academy. This headquarters aims to bring together top influencers and content creators, providing an optimal environment for creating high-quality content that contributes to sustainable development goals.
The headquarters will offer various services, including a dedicated studio for filming, courses on storytelling, photography, broadcasting, and platform management. Content creators will have the opportunity to gain expertise, learn skills and techniques to create impactful content, and receive technical support in collaboration with industry giants like Google and Facebook.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, emphasized that the establishment of a permanent influencers headquarters aligns with Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to support content creators, talents, and innovators, transforming the digital media sector. The initiative aims to provide exceptional opportunities for content creators to fulfill their potential, grow their businesses, and showcase the accomplishments and ambitions of the Emirati people globally.
The announcement coincided with the graduation of 90 content creators as part of the ‘Social Media Professional Program’ and the 4th cohort of the ‘Faris Al Muhtawa Incubator Program.’ These programs, held in collaboration with the UAE Government Media Office and New Media Academy, contribute to nurturing talents and innovators in the digital media sector.
Overall, Sheikh Mohammed’s directives and the newly announced initiatives underscore the UAE’s commitment to investing in creative talents, enhancing its global media presence, and solidifying its position as a hub for digital content on the international stage.