1 Billion Followers Summit live: Emaar’s Alabbar says influencers need to up their game
Social media influencers have a sizeable reach, and that the digital collective of YouTubers, Instagrammers, podcasters and content creators at large – which was cutting its teeth only 10 years ago – is now a thriving, multimillion-dollar industry.
The UAE saw the potential of the buzzing social media industry several years ago, recognising the changing media landscape, including how it was evolving and transitioning away from traditional formats. Technology and innovation have long been touchstones of the country's plans for the future. So it comes as little surprise that the Emirates has positioned itself as a hub for creatives, by providing investment, infrastructure and space for this growing online world.
In the spirit of such championing, Dubai is hosting, for the third time, some of the world's most influential social media influencers and content creators, in an event organised by the UAE Government Media Office. “We welcome those with ideas and creativity,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. “In the UAE, we are hosting the 1 Billion Followers Summit. We welcome 15,000 content creators followed by 2.3 billion people.”
The scale of the event and the numbers speak for themselves, and of the remarkable growth the industry has seen. Since the early days, the UAE has supported talent and innovation in the creative economy – an endeavour that is aligned with the country's diversification plans.
Just last year, Sheikh Mohammed announced a Dh150 million fund to support the development of creative and effective content, which would help content creators sharpen their skills and tell the UAE story, its achievements and cultural contributions to international audiences in global markets.
As well-known names such as Tucker Carlson, Maye Musk, Jay Shetty and several reputable personalities from the Arab world take the discussion forward, the event also creates a framework for accountability and responsible dissemination of information.
Influencers with large followings have a responsibility to ascertain facts and curb misinformation, particularly as they draw in people of all ages and backgrounds.
The challenges in a fast-paced digital world are immense, for all those associated with the field. It is vital for creators to use their voices and platforms with caution, posting reliable content and not misrepresenting reality or veering towards malign agendas. By not taking these responsibilities seriously, creators would end up misleading followers, possibly with damaging consequences, and eventually risk losing subscribers, and thus income. The onus is also on consumers of such content to verify the information as well as the sources.
Besides the reliability and trust aspect, there are also business-related challenges for influencers and content creators, who often struggle with pressures of the job, sustaining an income, staying relevant and making the necessary leap from being personality-driven platforms to professional, trustworthy brands.
The support and encouragement that cities and their leaders then provide, in terms of investment and infrastructure, becomes ever more important. Social media influencers cannot create content in a vacuum or in hostile environments.
The UAE recognises their value and, through events such as the 1 Billion Followers Summit, feeds and seeds the aspirations of many talented young professionals. They, too, can then dream of fulfilling their creative potential by creating responsible content that appeals to their growing numbers of followers.
Turkish Ladies
Various artists, Sony Music Turkey
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Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site
The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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The specs
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Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 400hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh234,000 - Dh329,000
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