Latest news with #CreativeDistrict
Arabian Business
10-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia's creator economy surges 32% in Q1 2025, TikTok leads growth: Report
The Saudi creator economy grew by 32.37 per cent in Q1 2025, fuelled by influencer marketing, content-driven commerce, and the increasing adoption of user-generated content (UGC), an industry report said. Video content is at the forefront of this expansion, according to the joint study by Admitad and Stllr Network. Riyadh launches Creative District Saudi creator economy booms 'The rise of user-generated content (UGC) is changing the way brands engage with consumers. Audiences trust real creators more than traditional advertising, making UGC a key driver of authenticity and sales,' said Mohannad Alzahrani, Cofounder and VP KSA of Stllr Network. 'Brands that leverage UGC see stronger engagement and higher conversion rates,' he said. Alzahrani said the surge in Saudi's creator economy is not just about growth, it's about transformation. 'Creators are becoming the new entrepreneurs, shaping industries through authentic and high-impact content. Brands that invest in this shift will lead the future of digital engagement,' he said. Among social platforms, TikTok has seen the highest growth in influencer-driven orders, with its penetration is estimated to be a staggering 88 per cent of the population. X, formerly Twitter, increased by 17 per cent, followed by Instagram with a 12 per cent rise, while Telegram has grown by 10 per cent. The fastest-growing content niches according to Stllr Network, include beauty, which has grown by 56 percent, lifestyle by 45.8 per cent and fashion by 18.2 per cent. Technology (10.6 per cent), entertainment (8.2 percent), food (7 per cent), fitness (6.5 per cent), parenting (5 per cent), and gaming (3.5 per cent) are the other growing content segments. Influencers drive GMV growth Admitad said the analysis of over 300,000 influencer-driven orders revealed a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and a 5 per cent rise in order volume in 2024. The average order value (AOV) stands at $54, with influencer earnings growing 14 per cent. While fixed payments remain common, Saudi influencers are increasingly incorporating performance-based marketing as an additional collaboration model, the report said. Many now adopt a hybrid approach, combining fixed fees with the CPA (cost-per-action) model, where they earn based on real sales and conversions, it said. 'The CPA model brings much-needed transparency to influencer marketing. Brands only pay for actual results, and influencers benefit by securing long-term partnerships while offering their audiences exclusive promo codes and special discounts,' said Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad.
Asharq Al-Awsat
13-02-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Commission for Riyadh City Announces 'Riyadh Creative District'
The Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced the launch of the 'Riyadh Creative District,' a transformative initiative that aims to position the Saudi capital as a global creative and media hub while reinforcing the Kingdom's leadership in the creative economy. The new project is set to become a cornerstone in Riyadh's evolution into a world-class metropolis, integrating seamlessly with the capital's major development initiatives, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday. The project aims to foster a thriving ecosystem where creative minds, industry leaders, and emerging talent can collaborate to develop content and new ideas, drive cultural and technological advancements, and contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Creative District aligns with Saudi Arabia's long-term strategic vision by emphasizing the role of media, technology, culture and innovation in economic diversification and sustainable growth. Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and CEO of RCRC Eng. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan expressed profound appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, for their continued support of the commission's projects, which are pivotal in shaping the future of Riyadh and enhancing its global competitiveness. 'The Riyadh Creative District is designed to be a vital extension of the capital's creative, cultural, and economic landscape, reinforcing the city's status as a dynamic hub for content creation and innovation. Through this initiative, we are not only establishing an inspiring space for creative industries to thrive, but also providing a gateway for global talent to engage with the Kingdom's creative economy,' he said. 'This initiative embodies Saudi Arabia's forward-looking vision to cultivate a knowledge-based society, and develop a globally integrated creative sector that generates sustainable economic and social impact,' he added. A key milestone in the project's launch is the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between RCRC and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), ensuring a structured and integrated approach to its implementation. This collaboration is expected to catalyze the expansion of the creative industries in Saudi Arabia, bridging the gap between local and international expertise and fostering cross-sector innovation. The Creative District is set to redefine the role of creativity in economic development, by offering a dynamic platform that connects designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and technology pioneers. It will serve as an incubator for new business models, cultural enterprises, and digital transformation projects, ultimately reinforcing Riyadh's position as the regional epicenter for creative excellence. Beyond GDP contributions, the district will play a crucial role in cultural exchange and community engagement by hosting interactive programs, industry events, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that empower emerging talent and facilitate the exchange of ideas. Its impact is expected to extend beyond Riyadh, influencing the broader Middle East creative ecosystem and elevating the Kingdom's standing as a destination for investment in the creative economy. Aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Creative District underscores the Kingdom's commitment to fostering a globally competitive creative sector, that not only boosts the quality of life but also drives innovation-led economic transformation. By offering a supportive environment for creatives, startups, and established enterprises, the district is poised to shape the future of creative industries in Saudi Arabia, offering new employment opportunities, accelerating digital adoption, and laying the groundwork for a knowledge-driven economy. With a focus on sustainability and long-term impact, the Creative District will also contribute to Riyadh's broader urban transformation, integrating smart infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable design principles to create an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish. The Creative District will be instrumental in attracting both regional and international investment in the creative industries, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global creative and cultural advancements. As Riyadh continues its journey toward becoming a premier global destination for business, culture, and innovation, the Creative District will serve as a testament to the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to fostering talent, advancing creative industries, and building a prosperous future driven by ingenuity, collaboration, and forward-thinking policies.
