Dubai: Creators HQ, the first dedicated creators' hub in the UAE and the Middle East and part of Visioneers, along with Amazon Ads, announced the inauguration of the Amazon Creators Foundry, inviting applications for this groundbreaking initiative.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative was first introduced during the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2026. It aims to empower UAE-based content creators by enabling them to launch and scale their products on Amazon.ae globally. This collaborative effort between Creators HQ and Amazon Ads is a first in the region and seeks to establish a platform for creators to build sustainable online businesses with global reach.
Applications for the Amazon Creators Foundry are open from August 26 to September 9, 2026. The evaluation process will select 20 creators who exhibit the potential to effectively launch and scale their products on Amazon.ae. Successful applicants will join Amazon's international selling programme, allowing them to list and sell products across Amazon's global stores, reaching millions of customers worldwide.
Eligible creators will receive extensive support, including dedicated account management, premium storefronts, product listings optimized for discoverability, and Amazon Ads credits. Additional resources include roundtables with Amazon leadership and workshops on digital marketing and brand building. This initiative aligns with Creators HQ's vision to advance the creator economy in the UAE and beyond, fostering young entrepreneurs to lead and expand their ventures globally.
Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, highlighted that the initiative represents a strategic transformation of the UAE's creator economy, fostering sustainable investment and cross-border digital commerce. She emphasized that the Amazon Creators Foundry is a model for inspiring content creators to grow their businesses and contribute to the digital economy.
Rayan Karaky, Managing Director of Amazon Ads, EMEA and Southeast Asia, remarked that the Foundry provides essential infrastructure for creators to transform their influence into sustainable success. The Foundry serves as a strategic bridge, connecting creators' visions with the tools needed to build scalable brands on Amazon.ae.
To qualify for the programme, applicants must be UAE-based with an existing retail presence and a minimum audience reach of 100,000 followers. They must also hold or be willing to obtain a valid Dubai e-commerce trade license. For full eligibility criteria, interested creators can visit the Terms and Conditions section on the initiative's website.
The Amazon Creators Foundry is designed to offer comprehensive support, including consultancy programmes, fast-tracked onboarding, and a dedicated account manager for the entire six-month journey. Participants will benefit from advertising services worth up to $100,000 in Amazon DSP media budget and incentives for Amazon Sponsored Ads.
This initiative marks a significant development for the UAE's creator economy, turning creative influence into scalable businesses and reinforcing the region's leadership in digital entrepreneurship.