Dubai has taken a decisive step to cement its leadership in the global creator economy with a groundbreaking new programme. Announced at the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the Amazon Creators Foundry is set to transform digital influencers into product entrepreneurs. This strategic initiative is a partnership between Amazon Ads and Creators HQ, the first dedicated content creators' hub in the UAE and the Middle East.
What is the Amazon Creators Foundry Programme?
The Amazon Creators Foundry is a comprehensive support system designed specifically for creators within the Creators HQ network. It aims to provide them with the tools and knowledge to launch and scale their own product lines on Amazon.ae and other international Amazon marketplaces. The programme offers a full suite of benefits to eligible participants.
These benefits include end-to-end support using Amazon's vast marketplace infrastructure and seller tools. Creators will receive mentorship and training covering essential topics like online retail basics, product development, digital marketing, and brand building. A key feature is access to the Global Selling programme, which allows creators to list their products to hundreds of millions of customers worldwide.
Furthermore, participants will get help in creating dedicated storefronts on Amazon.ae to establish their retail presence. To boost initial visibility, the programme also provides Amazon Ads credits, a crucial resource for converting an online audience into a customer base. The Foundry's scope even extends into gaming and entertainment commerce, recognising the diverse nature of modern digital communities.
A Strategic Shift for the Creator Economy
The launch, set against the backdrop of the world's largest creator economy conference—the 1 Billion Followers Summit—signals a pivotal evolution. The global creator economy is maturing, moving beyond traditional monetisation through advertisements and sponsorships. Influencers are now building full-fledged commerce businesses, creating products and direct revenue streams tied to their personal brand influence.
Rayan Karaky, Managing Director of Amazon Ads for EMEA and Southeast Asia, highlighted this shift. He stated the programme is designed to bridge "unique creator insights" with commercial success by leveraging Amazon's infrastructure to build scalable businesses.
This initiative is also aligned with the UAE's broader vision to become a global hub for the digital economy. Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, noted that such programmes translate vision into tangible opportunities. Empowering creators to build sustainable businesses contributes to the nation's economic diversification and digital innovation goals.
Why This is a Game-Changer for UAE Creators
For content creators based in the UAE, the Amazon Creators Foundry represents a premium opportunity to transition from influence to ownership. It addresses several core challenges faced by digital personalities.
Firstly, it provides a structured path for real-world monetisation, offering the tools to convert audience trust into actual sales—a hurdle even for large influencers. Secondly, the business education provided is more rigorous and commerce-oriented than typical creator economy schemes.
Thirdly, by integrating with Amazon's global e-commerce ecosystem, creators can bypass common startup barriers like logistics, payments, and marketplace compliance. Finally, the backing of a retail giant like Amazon gives early adopters a significant competitive edge over peers reliant solely on social media platform monetisation.
This fusion of content and commerce, where personality-driven trust leads to higher conversion rates, is defining the next chapter of online retail. The Amazon Creators Foundry doesn't just let creators promote products; it empowers them to own and build their brands. This initiative could well become a template for expanding creator economy infrastructure globally, positioning Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of this digital revolution.
