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Snap Inc. and Qatar GCO Partner to Launch AR Academy in MENA
Table of Contents
- Snap Inc. and Qatar GCO Partner to Launch AR Academy in MENA
- Qatar’s Vision for a Knowledge-Based Economy
- Snapchat’s Commitment to Augmented Reality
- Supporting the AR Creator Community
- Snap’s Presence at Web Summit Qatar
- Conclusion
- augmented Reality’s Dawn in the MENA Region: An Exclusive Interview
- Augmented Reality’s Dawn in the MENA Region: An Exclusive Interview
DOHA, Qatar – Snap Inc. and Qatar’s Government Communications office (GCO) are joining forces to establish an Augmented Reality (AR) Academy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was unveiled at Web Summit qatar 2025, marking a collaborative effort to boost creative capabilities and accelerate digital advancements across the region. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of AR creators and developers, providing them with the essential tools and knowledge to succeed in the evolving digital landscape.
The partnership between snap Inc. and the GCO signifies a strategic investment in the future of digital innovation within the MENA region. By creating the AR Academy, both organizations aim to equip aspiring creators with the skills and resources necessary to develop cutting-edge AR experiences. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to cultivate a thriving technology ecosystem and drive economic growth through digital change.
Qatar’s Vision for a Knowledge-Based Economy
Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising committee, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership.
“our partnership with Snap to launch the region’s first Augmented Reality Academy marks a strategic milestone in empowering digital talent and driving technological innovation.This initiative aligns with Qatar’s National vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations. Through our investment in such pioneering programs, we continue to strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional center for digital excellence and technological innovation.”
Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee
Qatar’s National Vision 2030 highlights the country’s dedication to diversifying its economy and fostering a knowledge-based society. The AR Academy initiative directly supports this vision by investing in digital skills development and promoting technological innovation. By nurturing local talent and attracting international expertise, Qatar aims to become a leading hub for digital excellence in the region.
Snapchat’s Commitment to Augmented Reality
Snapchat has increasingly integrated AR technology into its platform, evolving from simple filters to elegant tools for human connection and spatial computing. The platform’s AR capabilities range from virtual retail try-ons to generative AI experiences, demonstrating the versatility and potential of the technology.
According to Snap Inc., more than 300 million peopel use AR on Snapchat. In the MENA region, over 85% of daily users interact with Lenses every day. The engagement with AR is substantial, with over 400 million Snapchatters engaging with Gen AI-powered Lenses more than four billion times in Q4 2024 alone.
Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East, highlighted the company’s belief in the transformative power of AR.
“We continue to bet on AR technology as we believe its potential is limitless. AR brings joy and utility to everyday life, enables brands to drive real business results, and empowers developers to push creative boundaries.”
Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East
Freijeh also emphasized the importance of a thriving developer and creator ecosystem for the long-term success of AR technology.
“The long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region. Once again we are honored to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce”.
Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle east
Supporting the AR Creator Community
Snap Inc. has emphasized its commitment to supporting AR creators through various programs, opportunities, and tools. The company recognizes that developers and creators are essential to unlocking the full potential of AR technology.
Currently, more than 375,000 AR creators, developers, and teams from nearly every country in the world have built over four million Lenses. These creators utilize tools like the fifth-generation Snap Spectacles,which offer advanced capabilities for building and experimenting with AR experiences. These Spectacles allow users to interact with the world and each other in innovative ways.
Snap’s Presence at Web Summit Qatar
The MoU signing was a highlight of snap’s presence at Web Summit Qatar, where the company showcased the evolution of its AR technology and its positive impact on fostering authentic connections. Snap’s participation included live tech demonstrations, Snap Spectacles showcases, expert-lead discussions, and AR masterclasses, providing attendees with firsthand experience of the power of AR.
Conclusion
The partnership between Snap Inc. and Qatar’s GCO to launch the AR Academy in the MENA region represents a notable step forward in fostering digital innovation and empowering the next generation of AR creators. By investing in education, providing access to cutting-edge technology, and fostering a vibrant ecosystem, this initiative promises to unlock new opportunities and drive economic growth in the region. The AR Academy is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of augmented reality and solidifying Qatar’s position as a hub for digital excellence.
augmented Reality’s Dawn in the MENA Region: An Exclusive Interview
Is the Middle East and North africa (MENA) region poised to become a global leader in augmented reality (AR) innovation? The recent partnership between snap Inc. and Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) suggests a resounding “yes.”
Interviewer (World-today-News.com): Dr. Amira Hassan, a leading expert in digital transformation and AR technology adoption, welcome to World-Today-News.com. The launch of the AR Academy in the MENA region, a collaboration between Snap Inc. and the Qatari government, is garnering meaningful attention. What makes this initiative so pivotal for the region’s technological future?
Dr. Hassan: Thank you for having me. This initiative is indeed pivotal as it addresses a critical need: bridging the digital skills gap while together fostering a vibrant ecosystem for augmented reality advancement and deployment. The partnership is strategically vital because it leverages the expertise of a global leader in AR technology—Snap Inc.—with the forward-thinking vision of the Qatari government, which seeks to diversify the economy and establish itself as a center for technological innovation. This collaborative approach is key to empowering the next generation of MENA’s AR creators.
Interviewer: The Qatari government, through its National Vision 2030, is clearly emphasizing the importance of a knowledge-based economy. How does this AR Academy directly support that broader national objective?
Dr. Hassan: The AR Academy directly aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 by focusing on human capital development. A knowledge-based economy relies on skilled individuals capable of creating and implementing cutting-edge technologies. By investing in education and training related to augmented reality—a rapidly growing field—Qatar invests directly in its
Augmented Reality’s Dawn in the MENA Region: An Exclusive Interview
Is the Middle East and North Africa poised to become a global leader in augmented reality innovation? The recent partnership between Snap Inc. and Qatar’s Government Communications Office suggests a resounding “yes.”
Interviewer (World-today-News.com): Dr. Amira Hassan, a leading expert in digital transformation and AR technology adoption, welcome to World-Today-News.com. The launch of the AR Academy in the MENA region,a collaboration between Snap Inc. and the Qatari government, is garnering meaningful attention. What makes this initiative so pivotal for the region’s technological future?
Dr. Hassan: Thank you for having me. This initiative is indeed pivotal because it directly addresses a critical need: bridging the digital skills gap while simultaneously fostering a vibrant ecosystem for augmented reality advancement and deployment. The partnership’s strategic importance lies in its ability to leverage the expertise of a global leader in AR technology—Snap inc.—with the forward-thinking vision of the Qatari government, which is actively seeking to diversify its economy and establish itself as a regional center for technological innovation. This collaborative approach is absolutely key to empowering the next generation of MENA’s augmented reality creators and entrepreneurs.
Interviewer: The Qatari government,through its National Vision 2030,is clearly emphasizing the importance of a knowledge-based economy. How does this AR Academy directly support that broader national objective?
Dr. Hassan: The AR Academy directly aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 by focusing squarely on human capital progress, a cornerstone of any triumphant knowledge-based economy. A knowledge-based economy thrives on skilled individuals capable of not only understanding but also creating and implementing cutting-edge technologies. By investing in education and training related to augmented reality—a rapidly expanding field with immense potential—Qatar is investing directly in its future workforce and its ability to compete globally.this initiative fosters innovation,attracts foreign investment,and stimulates economic growth,all vital components of a thriving knowledge-based society.
Interviewer: Many view AR as primarily entertainment-focused (filters, games). How can this technology contribute to broader economic development in the MENA region beyond gaming and social media?
Dr. Hassan: That’s a common misconception. While AR’s entertainment applications are undeniable, its potential for economic development extends far beyond gaming and social media. Consider these impactful applications:
Enhanced Education and Training: AR can create immersive learning experiences, improving knowledge retention and skills acquisition across various sectors.
Boosting Tourism and Cultural Heritage: AR applications can create interactive museum tours, past recreations, and virtual travel experiences.
Revolutionizing Healthcare: From surgical simulations to patient education and remote diagnostics, AR enables improved healthcare delivery.
Driving Innovation in Manufacturing and Engineering: AR facilitates remote collaboration, improves design processes, and streamlines maintenance procedures.
Transforming retail and E-commerce: AR enables virtual try-ons, product visualization, and personalized shopping experiences, increasing customer engagement and sales.
These are just a few examples illustrating the extensive economic potential of AR across diverse sectors in the MENA region.
Interviewer: What are some of the key challenges the AR Academy will need to overcome to ensure its long-term success and impact?
Dr. Hassan: Several factors are critical for the academy’s sustained success. These include:
Curriculum Development: Maintaining a curriculum that remains current with the rapid advancements in AR technology is crucial.
Access and Inclusivity: Ensuring access for individuals from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic levels is paramount to maximizing impact.
Industry Collaboration: Strong partnerships with private sector companies will help to bridge the gap between education and employment.
* Sustainable Funding: Securing ongoing financial support to ensure the academy’s long-term viability is essential.
addressing these challenges proactively will be key to realizing the academy’s full potential.
Interviewer: What’s your overall outlook on the future of AR in the MENA region, given the launch of the AR Academy and other similar initiatives?
Dr. Hassan: I am incredibly optimistic about the future of AR in the MENA region. The launch of the AR Academy, combined with growing government support and the region’s youthful, tech-savvy population, positions the MENA region for significant advancements in the augmented reality space. We can expect to see innovative AR solutions solving region-specific challenges and contributing to substantial economic growth. This initiative represents a significant step towards establishing the MENA region as a global leader in augmented reality innovation.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insightful perspectives. This has been enlightening.
Dr. Hassan: My pleasure.
Concluding Thoughts: The AR Academy collaboration between Snap Inc. and Qatar’s Government Communications Office promises to be a game-changer for the MENA region. By investing in education and fostering a vibrant AR ecosystem, this initiative paves the way for significant technological advancement and economic growth. We invite you to leave your thoughts and predictions on the future of AR in the MENA region in the comments section below. Share this interview on social media using #ARMENA #DigitalInnovation #QatarVision2030.