Dubai, UAE — July 2026 — TikTok hosted the UAE Forward forum at Dubai’s Museum of the Future, bringing together senior government officials, industry experts and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of the UAE’s digital economy, in line with the “We the UAE 2031” and “UAE Centennial 2071” visions.
The forum unveiled findings from TikTok’s “Impact Report: Empowering the UAE’s Dynamic Digital Economy,” produced with Redseer Strategy Consultants, alongside discussions on creator-led entrepreneurship, responsible innovation, digital wellbeing and online safety.
According to the report, more than 70,000 UAE-based small and medium enterprises use TikTok to promote their businesses, while over 10,000 entrepreneurs, including 3,500 women and 1,400 Emirati nationals, said they launched their own ventures through the platform. This activity contributed AED 1.1 billion in value added to the national economy and supported around 7,000 jobs.
Speakers included Alia Al Hammadi, Deputy Director of the UAE Government Media Office; Mohammed Al Zarooni, Deputy Director General of TDRA; Abdulaziz Al Naimi of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; Abdullah Al Naimi of Dubai Future Foundation; Mohammed Al Zarooni of the National Media Office; and Khaled Mohammed Al Naimi of the Federal Youth Authority, along with TikTok’s Jinan Al Hashli and Kinda Ibrahim.
Officials highlighted how the digital economy has enabled individuals to reach global markets via a phone, without traditional corporate infrastructure, with over 10,000 UAE companies built primarily on audience reach rather than capital.
TikTok executives noted a shift among creators from chasing followers to building sustainable businesses, supported by initiatives like the “Creators HQ” hub offering training in entrepreneurship, leadership, AI and fundraising.
Government representatives also stressed efforts to safeguard digital trust, including the National Media Office’s “Amen” platform for reporting inappropriate content, noting that national campaigns on TikTok have achieved over 2 billion views in reach.
The forum concluded that the UAE’s digital economic future depends not only on innovation and entrepreneurship, but on building trusted digital environments where creators and businesses can thrive safely.
