- The AR Academy equips MENA developers with advanced skills, fostering innovation and aligning with Qatar’s economic diversification goals.
- Over 85% of MENA’s daily Snapchat users engage with AR, signaling vast potential for immersive tech growth.
- Snap and GCO’s partnership reinforces Qatar’s vision to lead in digital excellence and creative technological solutions.
Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, has partnered with Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) to launch the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) first Augmented Reality (AR) Academy. Announced at Web Summit Qatar 2025, this initiative aims to accelerate digital innovation and nurture creative talent across the region.
The collaboration underscores Snap’s commitment to empowering developers and creators with cutting-edge AR tools. By bridging skill gaps, the academy seeks to unlock new opportunities in Qatar’s evolving tech landscape.
Aligning with Qatar’s Vision 2030
The AR Academy aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which prioritizes a knowledge-based economy. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of GCO, emphasized the initiative’s role in positioning Qatar as a regional tech leader.
“This partnership reflects our strategic focus on fostering digital excellence,” he stated. “Empowering creators with AR skills ensures Qatar remains at the forefront of global technological advancements.”
Snap’s Bet on AR’s Potential
Hussein Freijeh, Snap’s General Manager for the Middle East, highlighted AR’s transformative impact. “AR blends creativity with utility, driving both user engagement and business outcomes,” he said. The academy will equip developers to push AR’s boundaries further.
Over 300 million global users engage with AR on Snapchat monthly. In MENA, 85% of daily Snapchat users interact with AR Lenses, showcasing the region’s rapid adoption of immersive tech.
AR’s Growing Influence
From virtual try-ons to AI-powered experiences, AR has reshaped digital interaction. In Q4 2024 alone, Snapchatters used generative AI Lenses over 4 billion times globally.
The MENA academy will leverage this momentum, offering training in AR development, spatial computing, and creative storytelling. Participants will gain access to Snap’s advanced tools, including Lens Studio.
Building a Thriving Creator Ecosystem
Snap’s existing programs support over 375,000 AR creators worldwide, who have built 4 million Lenses. The fifth-generation Spectacles further enhance AR immersion, enabling real-world applications in retail, education, and entertainment.
Freijeh added, “A robust creator ecosystem is vital for sustained innovation. This academy ensures MENA’s talent thrives in the digital era.”
Highlights from Web Summit Qatar 2025
The MoU signing was a key event at Web Summit Qatar 2025. Attendees experienced live demos of Snap Spectacles and AR masterclasses, illustrating AR’s role in fostering authentic digital connections.
These sessions highlighted AR’s potential to transform industries, from marketing to healthcare. Such initiatives aim to position the GCC as a hub for immersive tech experimentation.
A Step Toward Regional Leadership
By investing in AR education, Qatar and Snap aim to cultivate homegrown expertise. The academy will collaborate with universities and startups, ensuring widespread access to AR resources.
This approach mirrors global trends, where AR skills are increasingly linked to economic competitiveness. MENA’s youth-driven population makes it ripe for tech-driven growth.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Digital Interaction
The AR Academy marks a milestone in MENA’s tech journey. By democratizing AR tools, Snap and GCO are paving the way for innovative solutions to regional challenges.
As AR evolves, its applications in education, commerce, and cultural preservation will expand. This partnership ensures MENA remains a key player in shaping the digital future.
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