GCO, TikTok to develop local talent, strengthen creative ecosystem

Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO), in an effort to expand the country’s digital footprint, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TikTok on the sidelines of Web Summit Qatar 2024 on Wednesday.

The MoU also aims to showcase and grow the country’s creator economy on the global social media platform.

Under the MoU, TikTok will establish its first creative studio in the country, supporting locally with the creation of assets for world-class TikTok campaigns. Additionally, creative workshops will also be designed to upskill local talent, contributing to strengthening the creative ecosystem.

Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office, signs an MoU with TikTok during #WebSummitQatar 2024 to establish the region’s first creative studio, as well as a variety of initiatives aimed at boosting Qatar's tech and creator… pic.twitter.com/VZAW5G6ZaS

— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) February 28, 2024

Following the signing, GCO Director Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, who is also Chairman of Web Summit Qatar 2024 Organising Committee, said: “Qatar has proven to be an ideal environment to attract investments, based on its commitment to adopting best practices and achieving digital transformation, which is essential to realise the Qatar National Vision 2030.

“Signing this agreement with TikTok, one of the world’s most important digital platforms, is a step in the right direction. We’re confident our collaboration will yield tangible outcomes that align with our shared goals and aspirations,” he said.

Shadi Kandil, General Manager Global Business Solutions at TikTok METAPEE, said: “Qatar is witnessing remarkable development in digital infrastructure, making it a leading tech hub in the Middle East and Asia.

“This MoU with GCO underscores our commitment to the local creative ecosystem, and we’re excited to be part of Qatar’s growing tech industry,” he said.  

The MoU comes in line with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, which focuses on developing the country’s digital infrastructure, nurturing innovation, and creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs and creators to leverage digital platforms toward expanding economic diversification and achieving sustainable development.