TikTok hosted its exclusive “UAE Forward” forum at Dubai’s Museum of the Future, bringing together top government officials, industry experts, and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of the UAE’s digital economy. The event highlighted the role of digital platforms in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, aligning with the country’s “We the UAE 2031” and “UAE Centennial 2071” visions.
Quick Facts
- AED 1.1 billion contributed to the UAE economy.
- Supported nearly 7,000 jobs nationwide.
- Over 70,000 UAE SMEs use the platform.
From Ships to Smartphones: A New Era for UAE Entrepreneurs
The forum underscored a fundamental shift in entrepreneurship. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Entrepreneurship and Economic Affairs Regulation Sector at the Ministry of Economy, captured the change, stating, “For four centuries, selling to the world required huge capabilities of fleets, ships, warehouses, and a large number of employees. Today, all it takes is a phone, the ability to take initiative, and a country that provides the environment for it.”
This new reality is backed by data from TikTok’s “Empowering the UAE’s Dynamic Digital Economy” report, which found that over 10,000 Emirati businesses were founded on their ability to reach an audience rather than on access to capital. “This is not just a story for a digital platform, it is a reinvention of the concept of entrepreneurship, which the UAE aspires to be at the forefront of in leading the future economy,” Al Nuaimi added.
Quantifying the Creator Economy’s Impact
The report, produced with Redseer Strategy Consultants, quantified TikTok’s economic footprint in the UAE. The platform’s activity has added AED 1.1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the national economy and supported nearly 7,000 jobs.
More than 70,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE actively use the platform to promote their businesses. The report also revealed that over 10,000 entrepreneurs, including 3,500 women and 1,400 Emirati nationals, launched their ventures through the platform, showcasing its role in democratizing market access.
Jnan Mohamed Alhashli, Head of Public Policy for the GCC at TikTok, commented, “The UAE has succeeded in building an integrated system that enables creators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to grow and prosper. Today’s discussions confirmed that the success of the digital economy depends not only on innovation and opportunity creation, but also on trust, safety, and responsible collaboration.”
Balancing Innovation with Digital Trust
A key theme of the forum was the critical link between a thriving digital economy and a foundation of trust, safety, and digital wellbeing. Discussions emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to equip families, educators, and youth with the tools for safe digital engagement.
Eng. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Deputy Director General for the Information & Digital Government Sector at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), remarked, “As the UAE continues to advance its ambitions in digital transformation and the knowledge economy, digital platforms are becoming increasingly important in shaping how companies grow, tourist destinations are discovered, and how individuals interact with work and learning. Building a trusted digital ecosystem requires continued collaboration.”
In line with this, TikTok highlighted its more than 50 safety and privacy features designed for teens, including the “Family Pairing” tool. This feature allows parents to link their accounts with their teens’ to customize privacy settings, manage screen time, and oversee their digital interactions, promoting balanced online habits.
About TikTok
TikTok is a leading global platform for short-form mobile video. Its mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Source: Al Bayan
