"U.S. investment firm Guggenheim Brothers Media (GBM) last week partnered with UAE firm Ethmar International Holding to launch an Abu Dhabi-based fund that invests in creator-led businesses. The fund led by UTA and Lionsgate alums Dillon Lawson-Johnston and Criswell Fiordalis reportedly ranges between $50 million and $75 million. Last year, Dubai also unveiled Creators HQ at Emirates Towers, a $40.8 million venture backed by the Content Creators Support Fund, and creator Nas Daily ( 14 million YouTube subscribers) opened the Nas House."
"Saudi Arabia has also been courting creators for years. Since 2019, it's been known that the Saudi government offered creators and influencers lavish trips in an attempt to better the kingdom's reputation. Last year's annual Riyadh Season featured the unveiling of MrBeast's ( 461 million YouTube subscribers) temporary theme park Beast Land, and major creators iShowSpeed ( 49 million YouTube subscribers) and KSI ( 25 million YouTube subscribers) also filmed promotional spots for the event."
"Between government-backed creator support funds, no income tax and a specific visa for creators and influencers, the country has been making a concentrated effort to embrace creators. But there are some major asterisks that come with this support. Non-resident creators are now required to have a temporary "Visiting Advertiser Permit" through the Media Council of UAE. The goal of this permit is to limit content the council dubs as misleading or harmful to the general public."
Dubai is positioning itself as a global hub for the creator economy by hosting major expos, launching creator facilities, and enabling private and public funds to back creator-led businesses. Significant investments include an Abu Dhabi fund reportedly worth $50–$75 million and a $40.8 million Creators HQ project, alongside branded creator spaces. Saudi Arabia has similarly pursued creator engagement through lavish hospitality and marquee events. Financial incentives such as no income tax and creator-specific visas attract talent, but new Visiting Advertiser Permits and regional legal restrictions introduce content limits and legal risks for non-resident creators.
Read at TheWrap
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