Snap Inc. has announced the launch of a new Snapchat Creator Studio in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to empower its highly engaged local user base and expand support for content creators, AR developers, and media partners across the Kingdom.
The Riyadh studio will be Snapchat’s second Creator Studio globally, following the Paris launch, and will play a key role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing creator economy.
Snapchat Creator Studio in Riyadh to drive AR innovation
Saudi Arabia is one of Snapchat’s most active markets worldwide. Over 83% of Snapchat users in KSA use AR weekly—the highest engagement rate globally. The Snapchat Studio in Riyadh will nurture creators building user-generated content, augmented reality experiences, and mobile-first video for platforms like Discover and Spotlight.
The new hub will also offer virtual and in-person training, creator funding, and technical resources to accelerate innovation with Snapchat’s AR tools and camera technology.
Snapchat expands MENA presence with Riyadh studio
According to Snap Inc., the Saudi Arabia Creator Studio reflects strong demand for local creative support. It will serve verified creators, AR Lens developers, and regional media publishers—building on Snap’s ongoing investments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
“Opening a Creator Studio in Saudi Arabia reflects the level of creativity and engagement we see among Snapchat users in the Kingdom,” said Hussein Freijeh, General Manager for MENA at Snap Inc. “It enables us to deepen support for the local creator community and business ecosystem.”
Snapchat reaches 90% of Gen Z and Millennials in Saudi Arabia
Snapchat now reaches 90% of 13–34-year-olds in Saudi Arabia and has a monthly addressable audience of over 19.5 million users in the country. Snap’s Official Lens Creator community includes developers, artists, and technologists who are redefining AR and mobile storytelling.
The Riyadh Creator Studio will offer opportunities to:
- Train creators in AR Lens development and content production
- Offer technical and creative support for building new Snapchat experiences
- Connect local publishers with Snap’s Discover and Spotlight platforms
- Fund and test prototypes for new formats and AR tools
Saudi publishers benefit from Discover and Snap partnerships
Snapchat already collaborates with leading Saudi publishers like Rotana Media Group, MBC, UTURN Entertainment, and the Saudi Broadcasting Authority. Through the Creator Studio in Riyadh, Snap will help more local publishers scale made-for-mobile content that reaches highly engaged audiences.
“In Saudi Arabia, there’s a deep understanding of Snapchat’s value in communication, entertainment, and commerce,” said Freijeh. “As more businesses move online, the new Creator Studio will inspire the next generation of creators to explore the power of the Snap camera across arts, education, and media.”
