In an exciting move aimed at fostering dialogue and engagement among Saudi youth, YouTube has unveiled the launch of a special program within its flagship video and podcast series for the MENA region, titled Hekayat YouTube: Play it Forward with YouTube in English. This innovative initiative focuses on providing a platform for influential Saudi YouTube creators, public figures, and decision-makers to address pertinent topics concerning the country's youth.
Tarek Amin, YouTube’s director in MENA, emphasized the significance of Saudi youth's perspectives, stating, “YouTube is a reflection of what’s top of mind for Saudi youth thanks to our vibrant creator community in the Kingdom." He further highlighted the pivotal role of creators in shaping conversations around topics that resonate with both them and their audiences.
The five-episode series features prominent Saudi creators spanning various fields such as lifestyle, health, technology, and investment. Notable figures include Beeko, Faisal Alsaif, Sukkari Life, and Faris Alturki, among others. These creators will be joined by guests from both the public and private sectors in the Kingdom, including Raied Aljadaany of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, Noura Alyusuf of the Quality of Life Program, Kaswara Al-Khatib from the creator economy sector, and Haya Sawan from the sports industry.
The program aims to delve into a spectrum of topics pertinent to Saudi youth, ranging from the future of jobs and artificial intelligence to wellbeing and quality of life, the creator economy, and sports. By facilitating discussions between creators and decision-makers, Hekayat YouTube seeks to offer insights, perspectives, and experiences that resonate with the youth demographic in Saudi Arabia.
Viewers can access the series starting from Jan. 31, with new episodes released weekly. The content will be available on YouTube Arabia, the channels of the participating creators, as well as popular podcast platforms including Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anghami, and Deezer.
The launch of Hekayat YouTube: Play it Forward underscores YouTube's commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and dialogue among Saudi youth, empowering them to voice their opinions, concerns, and aspirations on a global stage. Through this collaborative effort between creators and decision-makers, the program aims to inspire, inform, and empower the next generation of Saudi leaders and innovators.
