What happened?
TikTok hosted the UAE Forward Forum in Dubai, highlighting findings from its latest economic impact report, which says the platform contributed AED 1.1 billion to the UAE economy and supported around 7,000 jobs.
Who is affected?
Small businesses, entrepreneurs, content creators, marketers, digital professionals and UAE residents using digital platforms.
Why does it matter?
The discussions reinforce the UAE’s focus on growing a trusted digital economy where innovation, entrepreneurship and online safety go hand in hand.
TikTok has revealed new figures on its contribution to the UAE’s digital economy, saying the platform generated AED 1.1 billion in gross value added (GVA) and supported around 7,000 jobs across the country. The figures were highlighted during the UAE Forward Forum, hosted at Dubai’s Museum of the Future, where government officials, industry experts, entrepreneurs and creators discussed the future of digital innovation, online safety and responsible technology. The event aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision of building a knowledge-based economy while encouraging entrepreneurship and trusted digital experiences.
What was announced at the UAE Forward Forum?
The UAE Forward Forum brought together representatives from government entities, the private sector and the creator economy to discuss how digital platforms are shaping the country’s future.
Among the senior speakers were officials from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the Dubai Future Foundation, the National Media Authority, the Federal Youth Authority and the UAE Government Media Office.
During the event, TikTok revisited findings from The TikTok Effect: Enabling the UAE’s Dynamic Digital Economy, a report developed with Redseer Strategy Consultants and first introduced during the World Governments Summit 2026.
Officials at the forum highlighted that public-private partnerships are becoming increasingly important as the UAE accelerates digital transformation under We the UAE 2031 and UAE Centennial 2071.
How is TikTok supporting businesses in the UAE?
According to the Redseer report commissioned in collaboration with TikTok, the platform has become an important marketing and business growth channel for UAE entrepreneurs.
Some of the key findings include:
- AED 1.1 billion contributed to the UAE economy in Gross Value Added (GVA)
- Approximately 7,000 jobs supported
- More than 70,000 SMEs actively advertising on TikTok in the UAE
- Over 10,000 entrepreneurs said they started their businesses because of the platform
- Around 3,500 women entrepreneurs
- Approximately 1,400 Emirati founders
The report attributes this growth to TikTok’s ability to help businesses reach customers through short-form video, product discovery and digital storytelling without requiring large marketing budgets.
Beyond retail businesses, the report also points to growing opportunities for tourism, hospitality, education and creative industries using the platform to connect with audiences.
Why is digital trust becoming a bigger priority?
While economic growth was a key talking point, much of the discussion focused on creating a safer digital environment.
Government representatives stressed that innovation should be matched with responsible governance, stronger digital literacy and online safety initiatives.
According to TikTok, the platform currently offers more than 50 built-in privacy, safety and security features for younger users. These include:
- Family Pairing for parental supervision
- Screen time management
- Time Away scheduling
- Privacy controls
- Tools that allow parents to review followers and account settings
The company also highlighted its ongoing work with the TDRA and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority’s UAE Children’s Digital Wellbeing Pact to promote responsible platform use and improve digital literacy.
How does this fit into the UAE’s digital economy goals?
The UAE has made digital transformation one of its biggest national priorities over the past decade.
Government strategies such as We the UAE 2031, the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and the country’s broader AI ambitions aim to increase the digital economy’s contribution to GDP while encouraging innovation and attracting technology investment.
Digital platforms are playing a growing role in this transformation by helping businesses expand beyond traditional marketing channels, enabling creators to build careers and giving startups affordable access to new customers.
Events such as the UAE Forward Forum also reflect the government’s increasing focus on ensuring that economic growth is supported by trusted digital ecosystems, responsible regulation and collaboration between technology companies and public sector organisations.
What does this mean for creators and small businesses?
For creators and entrepreneurs, the findings highlight how digital platforms continue to reshape business opportunities in the UAE.
Short-form video has become a key discovery tool for consumers, influencing shopping decisions, restaurant visits, tourism experiences and brand awareness.
For many SMEs, social media platforms now serve as cost-effective marketing channels that allow them to compete alongside larger brands.
At the same time, policymakers continue to emphasise responsible innovation, ensuring that growth is balanced with privacy, child safety and digital wellbeing.
Why It Matters
For UAE residents, this discussion goes beyond social media.
It highlights how digital platforms are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday business, education and entrepreneurship.
Key takeaways:
- Small businesses have more opportunities to reach customers online.
- Entrepreneurs can build brands with lower marketing costs.
- Parents benefit from expanded digital safety tools.
- Government agencies and technology companies are working together to improve online trust.
- The UAE continues investing in a future-ready digital economy that supports innovation while prioritising responsible technology.
FAQs
What is the UAE Forward Forum?
The UAE Forward Forum is a TikTok-hosted event that brings together government leaders, businesses, creators and industry experts to discuss the future of the UAE’s digital economy and digital trust.
How much does TikTok say it contributes to the UAE economy?
According to a Redseer report commissioned in collaboration with TikTok, the platform contributes AED 1.1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supports around 7,000 jobs in the UAE.
How many UAE businesses advertise on TikTok?
The report says more than 70,000 small and medium-sized businesses actively advertise on TikTok in the UAE.
What digital safety features does TikTok offer?
TikTok says it provides over 50 safety, privacy and security features, including Family Pairing, screen time controls, privacy settings and parental supervision tools.
Why is digital trust important?
Digital trust helps create a safer online environment for users while supporting sustainable growth for businesses, creators and the wider digital economy.
The UAE Forward Forum showcased how digital platforms are becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s economic growth story. While TikTok’s latest figures point to a significant contribution to entrepreneurship and business activity, the wider message from government leaders centred on balancing innovation with trust, safety and responsible digital development. As the UAE continues investing in its digital future, collaboration between public and private sectors is expected to remain a key driver of long-term growth.
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