In a significant move to bolster the creator economy, Amazon has unveiled the Creators Foundry initiative in collaboration with Creators HQ, the Middle East’s first dedicated creators’ hub. Announced during the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, this program represents a strategic partnership between Amazon Ads and the UAE Government Media Office.
The initiative establishes a comprehensive framework to empower UAE-based content creators by providing end-to-end support for launching and scaling product businesses on Amazon.ae. The program addresses the evolving nature of the creator economy, which is rapidly transitioning from content monetization to full-scale entrepreneurship.
Eligible participants within the Creators HQ network will gain access to Amazon’s extensive infrastructure, seller tools, and global marketplace reach. The program includes specialized education covering retail fundamentals, product development strategies, digital marketing techniques, and brand building in the digital age. Participants will also receive mentorship opportunities and Amazon Ads credits to enhance their market visibility.
A distinctive feature of the initiative enables creators to expand beyond local markets through Amazon’s global selling registration program, connecting them with hundreds of millions of international customers across Amazon’s worldwide store network.
Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative: “The UAE has established itself as a global destination for the creator economy, and Amazon Creators Foundry demonstrates how this vision translates into tangible opportunities for digital entrepreneurs. We’re nurturing a new generation of innovators who will shape the future of commerce and drive the growth of the UAE’s digital economy.”
Rayan Karaky, Managing Director of Amazon Ads for EMEA and Southeast Asia, noted the transformative nature of the program: “The creator economy is entering a phase where influence meets innovation. Creators understand their audiences better than anyone—they know what truly resonates and what their communities want. Amazon Creators Foundry bridges the gap between these unique insights and commercial success.”
The announcement coincided with the 1 Billion Followers Summit, which brought together over 15,000 content creators and influencers alongside 500 speakers representing a combined global audience of 3.5 billion followers. This initiative reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for the digital creator economy and innovation ecosystem.