Abu dhabi: TikTok hosted the UAE Forward Forum, exploring the future of the UAE's digital economy and the role digital platforms play in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital trust. Held at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, the forum brought together government leaders, industry experts, creators, and entrepreneurs to discuss how public-private collaboration is helping shape a safe, inclusive, and thriving digital ecosystem aligned with the ambitions of ''We the UAE 2031'' and ''UAE Centennial 2071''.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event also revisited the findings of "The TikTok Effect: Enabling the UAE's Dynamic Digital Economy," unveiled earlier this year at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026, while exploring broader conversations around creator-led entrepreneurship, responsible innovation, digital wellbeing, and online safety. Distinguished speakers included Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office; Eng. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Deputy Director General of the Information and Digital Government Sector at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA); Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Chief Marketing Officer at Dubai Future Foundation; Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Director of Strategic Planning at the National Media Authority; and Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Federal Youth Authority.
Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, remarked on the transformative nature of modern entrepreneurship, stating that selling to the world no longer requires an empire but rather a phone, courage, and supportive infrastructure. He emphasized that more than 10,000 UAE businesses have emerged not through traditional means but through digital platforms, showcasing the UAE's commitment to leading future economies.
Jenan Mohamed Alhashili, Head of Public Policy, GCC, at TikTok, noted that the UAE has fostered an environment conducive to the growth of creators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. She stressed that the foundation of a successful digital economy relies on trust, safety, and responsible collaboration.
Developed in collaboration with Redseer Strategy Consultants, "The TikTok Effect: Enabling the UAE's Dynamic Digital Economy" report found that TikTok facilitates small and medium-sized businesses' participation in the digital economy by simplifying customer reach and brand development. Over 70,000 SMBs advertise on TikTok in the UAE, and more than 10,000 entrepreneurs, including 3,500 women and 1,400 Emiratis, attribute their business start-ups to the platform. This activity contributed AED 1.1 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UAE economy and supported approximately 7,000 jobs.
The report also highlights TikTok's growing contribution to the UAE's creator economy, educational content ecosystem, cultural expression, and tourism sector, demonstrating the platform's role in supporting economic participation across multiple industries.
Forum discussions underscored the importance of trust, safety, and digital wellbeing for a thriving digital economy. Speakers emphasized the need for collaboration between government, industry, and communities to help families, educators, and young people navigate the online world safely through awareness campaigns, digital literacy initiatives, and practical safety tools.
Eng. Mohammed Al Zarooni from TDRA highlighted that as the UAE advances its digital transformation and knowledge economy ambitions, digital platforms increasingly shape business growth, destination discovery, and engagement with work and learning. He pointed out the necessity of collaboration among government, industry, and communities to ensure innovation aligns with robust digital safety and wellbeing.
TikTok's commitment to digital trust includes more than 50 preset safety, privacy, and security features for young people. Family Pairing allows parents to customize privacy settings and manage screen time, enhancing the platform's age-appropriate experiences, privacy protections, and digital wellbeing resources. Collaborative efforts with organizations such as TDRA and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority further promote digital literacy and responsible platform use.
The UAE Forward Forum reinforced that the future of the UAE's digital economy hinges on innovation, entrepreneurship, and trusted digital environments where creators, businesses, and communities can flourish securely.