UAE content creators have just unlocked a powerful new way to turn their online influence into real businesses. Amazon and Creators HQ launched the Amazon Creators Foundry during the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit held in Dubai from January 9 to 11, 2026. This program gives digital influencers in the Emirates everything they need to create, launch, and sell their own products on Amazon.ae and across Amazon stores worldwide.
The summit brought together more than 15,000 content creators and influencers from around the globe. These creators represented a combined audience of 3.5 billion followers. The event took place under the theme “Content for Good” and was organised by the UAE Government Media Office.
Amazon Creators Foundry Opens Global Markets to UAE Influencers
The Amazon Creators Foundry gives UAE content creators direct access to millions of shoppers, both locally and internationally. Creators who join the program through Creators HQ will receive complete support to build their product lines from scratch. They get training, mentorship, and the tools needed to sell successfully on Amazon’s platform.
Eligible creators can expand beyond the UAE market through Amazon’s global selling program. This means their products can reach hundreds of millions of customers across multiple countries. For influencers who have spent years building loyal audiences, this opens a direct path to turn that trust into sales.
According to Gulf News, the program responds to a growing trend where influencers are becoming product innovators and business builders. Instead of just posting sponsored content, creators can now own their entire product line and keep more of the profits.
What UAE Content Creators Get From Amazon Partnership
Participants in the Amazon Creators Foundry will receive comprehensive education covering several key areas. The mentorship program includes training on product development, digital marketing strategies, customer acquisition techniques, and brand building for the digital age.
Creators will learn how to turn their content ideas into actual products that solve problems for their audiences. The program also covers gaming and entertainment commerce opportunities, opening doors for creators in these fast-growing sectors.
Beyond education, UAE content creators get practical support too. They can build dedicated storefronts on Amazon.ae that showcase their brand identity. Amazon also provides advertising credits to help creators boost their product visibility and reach more potential buyers.
Entrepreneur Middle East reports that this end-to-end support leverages Amazon’s years of expertise, infrastructure, and seller tools. Creators don’t have to figure out the complicated process of e-commerce alone.
Why This Matters for Content Creators in the UAE
Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, explained the vision behind this initiative. She said the UAE has established itself as a global destination for the creator economy. Programs like Amazon Creators Foundry give creators the practical tools to turn ideas into sustainable online businesses.
By empowering creators, the UAE is building a new generation of innovators who will shape the future of commerce and drive growth in the country’s digital economy. This fits into a larger government strategy that includes a $40.8 million initiative to attract international content creators to live and work in the Emirates.
Rayan Karaky, Managing Director of Amazon Ads in EMEA and Southeast Asia, pointed out that creators understand their audiences better than anyone else. They know what their communities want, what’s missing in the market, and what truly resonates with people. The Amazon Creators Foundry bridges the gap between these unique insights and commercial success.
The government has been offering creators fast-track access to Golden Visas, which allow them and their families to reside in the UAE long-term with tax benefits.
How UAE Content Creators Can Join the Program
The Amazon Creators Foundry operates through Creators HQ, the first dedicated creators’ hub in the UAE and the Middle East. Creators HQ serves as a membership organisation and workspace that connects influencers with resources, training, and opportunities.
Content creators who want to participate need to be part of the Creators HQ network. From there, eligible members can apply to join the Amazon Creators Foundry program. The selection process looks at factors like audience engagement, content quality, and business potential.
Once accepted, creators go through the training program and start developing their product concepts. Amazon’s team guides the process, from initial idea to final product launch. Creators maintain ownership of their brands while using Amazon’s infrastructure to handle logistics, payments, and customer service.
The program aims to help UAE content creators move beyond traditional monetisation methods like sponsored posts or ad revenue. Instead, they can build long-term businesses that generate sustainable income through product sales.
Building Products That Match Audience Needs
One of the key advantages of the Amazon Creators Foundry is helping creators design products their audiences actually want. Many influencers have spent years creating content and interacting with their followers. This gives them unique insights into what problems their audience faces and what solutions they’re looking for.
Rather than generic merchandise like basic t-shirts or mugs, the program encourages creators to develop products that tie directly into their content niches. A fitness creator might develop specialised workout equipment. A beauty influencer could launch a unique skincare line. A cooking content creator might sell specialised kitchen tools.
Amazon’s vast data on consumer behaviour and buying patterns can help guide product development. Creators learn which product categories perform well, what price points work best, and how to position their items for maximum appeal. This data-driven approach reduces the risk of launching products that don’t sell.
UAE Positions Itself as Creator Economy Hub
The Amazon Creators Foundry reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for the creator economy. Dubai has been actively working to attract digital creators from around the world. The government understands that content creators are not just entertainers but serious business operators who drive economic activity.
The 1 Billion Followers Summit itself demonstrates this commitment. As the world’s largest event dedicated to the content creator economy, it brings together creators, platforms, brands, and investors. M
Beyond the Amazon partnership, other initiatives support UAE content creators. Creators HQ and Alfan recently announced a Dh5 million Social Content Fund to support creators focused on social impact content. These programs show a coordinated effort to build a complete ecosystem for creator success.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the Amazon Creators Foundry offers exciting opportunities, creators will still face challenges. Developing successful products requires understanding manufacturing, inventory management, and customer service. Not every creator has these skills, even with Amazon’s support and training.
Millions of sellers compete for customer attention. Creators will need to use their unique advantage, their existing audience and personal brand to stand out. Those who can authentically connect their content with their products will likely see the best results.
The program also requires creators to think like business owners, not just content makers. They’ll need to manage finances, track inventory, and handle customer issues. This shift in mindset can be difficult for creators who are used to focusing purely on content creation.
However, the potential rewards are significant. Successful creators could build businesses worth millions of dollars. They’ll own their products and control their brand rather than depending on platform algorithms or sponsorship deals. For UAE content creators willing to put in the work, the Amazon Creators Foundry offers a proven path to long-term business success.
