The UAE’s ‘finfluencer’ licensing system combats social media investment scams, with groundbreaking rules requiring anyone with just 1,000 followers who gives financial advice to register with regulators
social media
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AlUla
Saudi Arabia’s AlUla to host first Instagram Creators Summit in MENA
The event is slated to be held on April 20-22
Arab world
Arab internet users reach 348 million as digital transformation accelerates: Report
The study on digital transformation in the Arab World also found that social media usage has increased to 228 million users, or 46 per cent of the total population
Creative economy
Saudi Arabia’s creator economy surges 32% in Q1 2025, TikTok leads growth: Report
User-generated content is transforming Saudi digital engagement, with TikTok’s explosive popularity and rising influencer earnings shaping market dynamics
E-commerce
Gen Z drives social commerce boom as spending power set to reach $9tn: Report
TikTok has emerged as a particular favourite among Gen Z, attracting 40 percent of younger shoppers compared to just 4 percent of Baby Boomers
Abu Dhabi Police
Abu Dhabi Police issue social media Ramadan scam warning
Abu Dhabi warn public over fake social media prizes and Ramadan scams
anti-begging
UAE detects 1,200 digital begging cases as Ramadan scams surge
The UAE Cybersecurity Council advised against making donations through unverified social media accounts and stressed the importance of using only licensed organisations for charitable giving
amnesty fines
Dubai real estate supply; Exclusive Salt Bae interview; Sheikh Hamdan announces well-being resort; UAE deportations; Kuwait announces holiday – 10 things you missed this week
Dubai real estate analysis, new well-being resort announced, Brits flock to the UAE, Kuwait announces holiday and more top news stories this week
Dubai
Influencers flock to Dubai ‘faster than brunch reservations on a Saturday’ fueled by Golden Visas, zero income tax, luxury lifestyle
Dubai is currently witnessing an increase in relocation of social media stars to the city, predominantly from US, Asia and Europe
Influencers
TikTok reveals 2025 marketing trends in ‘What’s Next’ report
The report states that two out of three TikTok users appreciate when brands collaborate with multiple creators
China
China weighs selling TikTok to Elon Musk: Report
TikTok has appealed the impending ban in the US to the Supreme Court, but the justices have shown an inclination to uphold the law, which would force the company to be sold or face a ban in the country by January 19
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia becomes MENA region’s first country to roll out TikTok STEM feed
It is seen as the social media giant’s move to foster a combination of entertainment and education
influencer
India’s influencer marketing platform KlugKlug announces major expansion plans in MENA and beyond
The company said plans are under way to establish operations in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait within the next 12 to 18 months
advertisement
KSA social media study reveals why attention is more important than viewing
Dentsu publishes the results of its study involving 750 respondents analysing users’ habits across five social media platforms
Noor Naim
Exclusive: How Noor Stars became the Arab world’s biggest YouTube star
Thirteen years ago, Noor Naim was homeless in Turkey. Now, she’s the top Arab female YouTuber with 60 million followers, aiming to become the region’s first social media billionaire
Blockchain
Lyvely lists utility token on major centralised exchanges
The $LVLY token is now available on Gate, MEXC, and Uniswap, with plans for additional exchange listings in the future
social media
Rethinking media spending for long-term business growth on TikTok
Brands that leverage TikTok’s suite of ad products can strengthen their campaigns and build lasting relationships with consumers