Snap Inc. and Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar Empower the Next Generation of AR Talent at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Doha, Qatar – In a groundbreaking move to bolster the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) digital landscape, Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) to launch the region’s first Augmented Reality (AR) Academy. Announced during the Web Summit Qatar 2025, this initiative aims to nurture and empower emerging AR talent across the region.
A Strategic Collaboration for Digital Advancement
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Snap Inc. and VCUarts Qatar signifies a strategic effort to integrate AR education into the university’s curriculum. This collaboration seeks to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving digital economy. By focusing on AR development, the partnership aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of a knowledge-based economy and technological innovation.
Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organizing Committee, highlighted the initiative’s significance: “Our partnership with Snap to launch the region’s first Augmented Reality Academy marks a strategic milestone in empowering digital talent and driving technological innovation. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Creators
The AR Academy is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in AR technology, fostering creativity and technical proficiency. Through specialized training programs, participants will learn to develop interactive experiences using Snap’s advanced AR tools, including Lens Studio. This initiative not only enhances individual skill sets but also contributes to the broader digital ecosystem by cultivating a community of innovative AR developers in the MENA region.
Hussein Freijeh, Vice President and General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We continue to bet on AR technology as we believe its potential is limitless. AR brings joy and utility to everyday life, enables brands to drive real business results, and empowers developers to push creative boundaries. The long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region. Once again, we are honored to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool, and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce.”
AR’s Growing Influence in the MENA Region
The MENA region has witnessed a significant surge in AR adoption, with over 85% of daily Snapchat users engaging with AR Lenses. This high engagement rate underscores the region’s readiness to embrace immersive technologies and highlights the potential for AR to transform various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entertainment.
Snap Inc.’s commitment to the region extends beyond this partnership. The company’s fifth-generation Spectacles and the establishment of the AR Academy are part of a broader strategy to support the AR creator and developer community. Globally, over 375,000 AR creators and developers have built more than 4 million Lenses, showcasing the expansive possibilities of AR technology.
Web Summit Qatar 2025: A Hub for Technological Innovation
The announcement of the AR Academy was a highlight of the Web Summit Qatar 2025, held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). The summit served as a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss and explore advancements in technology and digital transformation. Attendees had the opportunity to experience Snap’s latest AR technologies firsthand, including live demonstrations of Snap Spectacles and expert-led AR masterclasses. These sessions showcased how AR is shaping authentic connections and digital interactions across the GCC.
A Vision for the Future
The establishment of the AR Academy represents a pivotal step toward realizing a digitally empowered MENA region. By investing in AR education and fostering a community of skilled creators, Snap Inc. and VCUarts Qatar are paving the way for innovative solutions to regional challenges. This initiative not only aligns with national development strategies but also positions Qatar as a leader in digital excellence and technological innovation.
As AR technology continues to evolve, its applications in various industries are expected to expand, offering new opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement. The collaboration between Snap Inc. and VCUarts Qatar serves as a model for how strategic partnerships can drive digital transformation and empower the next generation of innovators.
Do follow gulf magazine on Instagram
for more information click here
