A new report unveiled at the World Government Summit highlights the significant economic contributions of TikTok to the United Arab Emirates. The platform’s ecosystem of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) has added AED 1.1 billion to the nation’s economy and supported the creation of more than 7,000 jobs, cementing its role as a key driver in the country’s digital landscape.
The TikTok Effect on UAE’s Digital Economy
The report, titled The TikTok Effect: Enabling the UAE’s Dynamic Digital Economy, was developed in partnership with Redseer Strategy Consultants and announced in the presence of His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. Its findings underscore the platform’s expanding role in fostering entrepreneurship, fueling the creative economy, and contributing to human capital development.
His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama affirmed that the UAE has emerged as a global leader in the digital economy and innovation, driven by a forward-looking vision. He noted that the country’s strong digital foundation and business-friendly environment enable global platforms to expand their impact and contribute to the growth of the digital economy.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Creators
The report reveals that TikTok has become a critical launchpad for local businesses, with over 10,000 SMBs starting their journey on the platform and more than 70,000 local SMBs now active. This demonstrates a significant lowering of barriers to entry for Emirati entrepreneurs.
“TikTok has evolved from an entertainment platform into a functional layer of the UAE’s digital landscape. This report shows that our impact extends far beyond the screen, contributing over AED 1 billion to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs,” said Jenan Mohamed Alhashili, Head of Public Policy, GCC. “Whether it is a local brand finding its first customer or a creator building a global career, TikTok is helping drive the real-world economic outcomes that enable the UAE’s growth ambitions.”
The platform is also a cornerstone of the UAE’s growing creative economy. According to the report, one in four creators cite TikTok as the primary reason they began creating content, with many successfully turning their creative pursuits into sustainable, income-generating careers.
Driving Tourism and Cultural Showcase
TikTok has proven to be a powerful engine for tourism, with an estimated 10% of tourist spending influenced by content on the platform. In key markets like the UK and the US, 50% of users report their awareness of the UAE as a travel destination came from TikTok. Domestically, 39% of users say the app has increased their awareness of local destinations and experiences.
The platform also plays a role in fostering national pride and cultural exchange. Hashtags for national moments like #UAENationalDay have generated over 2 billion views, showcasing how the platform facilitates shared experiences and social inclusion within the nation’s diverse population.
A Platform for Skills and Social Cohesion
Beyond direct economic impact, TikTok contributes significantly to human development and skill-building. The report found that 75% of users have developed professional skills and 81% have built personal skills through the platform. Furthermore, 94% of users state that TikTok is relevant for staying informed and accessing useful knowledge, highlighting its role as a space for informal learning.
With user safety as a core foundation, 71% of users report that TikTok is taking meaningful steps to protect their privacy. This commitment to digital wellbeing supports the platform’s alignment with national strategies such as We the UAE 2031 and the UAE Centennial 2071.
About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, D
Source: Zawya
