The availability of latest hardware, smartphones with sophisticated cameras and access to social media platforms like Snapchat, Tik Tok and Instagram, has led to a tremendous rise in content creation among the young and talented in the Middle East. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with tourist destinations like Egypt and Turkey are attracting a large number of travel vloggers as well as tech enthusiasts, who are documenting experiences at iconic sites and digital innovation from the region.

Authorities in the UAE have also joined hands with video apps like Tik Tok to help entrepreneurs create online content, while YouTube is promoting Arabic speaking women who produce creative material. After initiatives that support mental health among other causes, social media giant Snap is now set to launch its first studio for content creators in the Arab world, in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh.

This is also Snap's second Creator Studio in the world, after it had set up one in Paris, and promises to showcase augmented reality content which is generated from users. The facility is equipped with tools introduced by Snap, which will enable creative minds to create AR material.

The firm's fleet of technical experts and creative minds will be roped in to help content creators from the Arab world sharpen their skill set at the first of its kind facility in the region. Local talent will also find investments and guidance to create prototypes of new tools and develop their ideas at the innovative hub.

Saudi Arabia was a natural choice for setting up the studio, because Snap reaches over 19 million users in the age group between 13 and 34 every month, in the kingdom alone. Almost 90% of these people are using the augmented reality Lens feature, which has gained popularity as a tool for creating interactive content.

But this is just the beginning, since Snap also has more such studios across the region in the pipeline.