Creators HQ and Amazon Ads Open Doors to First-of-Its-Kind Creators Foundry

Creators HQ, the first dedicated creators’ hub in the UAE and the Middle East and part of Visioneers, and Amazon Ads have opened applications for the Amazon Creators Foundry, an initiative designed to help UAE-based content creators launch and scale their own products on Amazon.ae.

First unveiled during the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2026, the Amazon Creators Foundry is part of the strategic collaboration between Creators HQ and Amazon Ads. The programme aims to empower creators to build sustainable online businesses while providing opportunities to scale their ventures globally through Amazon.ae.

The initiative also supports Creators HQ’s broader vision of driving the growth of the creator economy in the UAE and the region, positioning creators as contributors to digital commerce while helping young entrepreneurs diversify their businesses and expand internationally.

Applications are open from 26 August to 9 September 2026. Following an evaluation against eligibility criteria, 20 creators will be selected based on their readiness to launch and scale products on Amazon.ae.

Selected creators will also gain access to Amazon’s international selling programme, allowing them to list and sell products across Amazon stores globally and reach hundreds of millions of customers across North America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

End-to-End Support for Creators

The Amazon Creators Foundry will provide participants with comprehensive support throughout their journey of launching and scaling products on Amazon.ae.

The programme includes dedicated account management, premium storefronts, product listings optimised for discoverability, Amazon Ads credits and tools, as well as opportunities to participate in roundtables with senior Amazon leadership.

Participants will also have access to quarterly workshops covering online retail fundamentals, digital marketing, brand building and strategies for high-traffic shopping events.

Supporting the UAE’s Digital Economy

Her Excellency Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s broader approach to strategic transformation, with a focus on moving the creator economy towards sustainable investment and cross-border digital commerce.

According to Al Hammadi, the Amazon Creators Foundry establishes a model for helping content creators expand their businesses and contribute to digital economic growth.

She added that the programme supports Creators HQ’s ambition to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for talent and creative minds by creating an ecosystem that gives creators access to the tools, facilities and investment incentives needed to turn their creative capabilities into commercial ventures.

Through partnerships with international companies and digital platforms, Creators HQ aims to help develop a new generation of digital entrepreneurs capable of launching and sustaining innovative businesses with global reach.

Connecting Creativity with Commerce

Rayan Karaky, Managing Director of Amazon Ads, EMEA and Southeast Asia, said the initiative gives UAE creators the infrastructure needed to turn their influence into sustainable businesses.

“Creators in the UAE are already shaping culture and driving commerce through their content – Amazon Creators Foundry gives them the infrastructure to turn that influence into lasting success,” Karaky said.

He added that the programme provides end-to-end support covering product launches through global expansion, helping creators grow their businesses on Amazon.ae and beyond.

The collaboration between Amazon Ads and Creators HQ is intended to connect creators’ creative ambitions with the tools and infrastructure required to develop scalable brands and access global customers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be based in the UAE.
• Have an existing retail presence, such as selling products through social media or other channels.
• Hold, or be willing to obtain, a valid Dubai e-commerce trade licence.
• Have a minimum audience reach of 100,000 followers.

Applicants are directed to the terms and conditions section of the Amazon Creators Foundry landing page for the complete eligibility criteria.

Six-Month Programme

Selected creators will undergo a consultancy programme covering the key stages of establishing and growing their online businesses.

Support will include obtaining a business licence through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), opening an Amazon.ae seller account, listing products, setting up Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and launching an initial advertising campaign.

Participants will receive fast-tracked onboarding, priority handling and a dedicated account manager serving as a single point of contact throughout the six-month programme.

The programme will also provide custom storefront designs, premium SEO-focused product listings and recommended FBA setup for participating creators.

On the advertising side, eligible creators will receive full-funnel support, including up to $100,000 in Amazon DSP media budget and a $2,000 Amazon Sponsored Ads incentive match per creator to support the launch of their campaigns.

Amazon Ads will additionally conduct upskilling workshops, while semi-annual mentorship sessions led by senior Amazon leadership will provide ongoing guidance.

The Amazon Creators Foundry marks a new step in the development of the UAE’s creator economy, bringing together creative influence, digital commerce and entrepreneurship while giving creators a structured pathway to build scalable businesses and reach customers beyond the region.