Snap Inc. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) to establish the first Augmented Reality (AR) Academy in the MENA region. This partnership was announced at the Web Summit Qatar 2025, highlighting a major step towards enhancing the creative capabilities and driving digital innovation across the region.

The collaboration with the GCO aims to create new opportunities for the next generation of AR creators and developers. This initiative is part of Snap’s ongoing commitment to bolster MENA’s digital ecosystem by developing AR capabilities for both existing and new partners, which is essential for the region’s digital transformation efforts.

Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, the Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, stated that this partnership is a strategic milestone in empowering digital talent and fostering technological innovation. He noted that it aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which focuses on building a knowledge-based economy and equipping young creators with the necessary skills to navigate global digital changes.

Hussein Freijeh, the General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East, expressed the company’s strong belief in the limitless potential of AR technology. He emphasized that AR enhances daily life, supports brands in achieving tangible results, and encourages developers to explore their creativity. Freijeh highlighted that the success of AR technology relies on a vibrant ecosystem of developers and creators, which is crucial for the ongoing digital transformation in the region.

AR technology has been fundamental in visual communication for over a decade, with Snapchat at the forefront. It has gained popularity among online communities and brands for its ability to enhance creativity and self-expression. Currently, more than 300 million people use AR on Snapchat, and over 85% of daily users in the MENA region engage with AR Lenses. In Q4 2024, Snapchatters used Gen AI-powered Lenses over 4 billion times.

Snap is dedicated to supporting the AR development community through various programs and tools that help creators unleash their potential. There are currently more than 375,000 AR creators and developers globally, who have created over 4 million Lenses, many utilizing the advanced capabilities of Snap’s fifth-generation Spectacles.

The MoU was a highlight of the action-packed Web Summit, where Snap showcased its evolving AR technology and its beneficial role in creating authentic connections throughout the GCC. The company’s participation included live demonstrations, discussions led by experts, and AR masterclasses, illustrating the transformative power of AR to attendees.

Snap Inc. aims to improve communication and creativity through technology, with core products like Snapchat, Lens Studio, and its AR glasses, Spectacles. For more information, visit snap.com.