Beyond dance trends: TikTok’s regional chief on promoting STEM education in Saudi Arabia

Having previously held leadership roles at Twitter and MSN Arabia, Ibrahim has spent her career exploring how digital platforms shape engagement with both entertainment and educational content. (Supplied/File)
Having previously held leadership roles at Twitter and MSN Arabia, Ibrahim has spent her career exploring how digital platforms shape engagement with both entertainment and educational content. (Supplied/File)
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Updated 28 February 2025
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Beyond dance trends: TikTok’s regional chief on promoting STEM education in Saudi Arabia

Beyond dance trends: TikTok’s regional chief on promoting STEM education in Saudi Arabia
  • ‘We aim to inspire the next generation of Saudi thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers’ Kinda Ibrahim tells Arab News

LONDON: TikTok is often associated with viral trends and entertainment, but the platform is also fostering the next generation of talent, its regional operations chief told Arab News.

In an exclusive interview with the newspaper, Kinda Ibrahim, regional general manager of operations at TikTok Middle East, Turkiye, Africa, Pakistan, Central and South Asia, said the launch of the platform’s STEM Feed initiative in Saudi Arabia was a response to a growing demand for educational content in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“STEM-related communities on TikTok have proven to be a massive success, with almost 10 million STEM-themed videos published worldwide in the last three years,” Ibrahim said. “The idea behind launching the TikTok STEM Feed in KSA was inspired by noticing the growing need for such content from our community.”

Saudi Arabia became the first country in the MENA region to introduce the feature in December, providing a dedicated space for Arabic-language content focused on “future-critical fields.”

 


@abdullah_yw مثل ما تمّرن جسمك عقلك كمان يحتاج له تمرين … و أكتب حل اللغز بالتعليقات #تمارين_العقل #تركيز #tiktokforgood #learnontiktok الصوت الأصلي - عبدالله العلاوي

Ibrahim said: “We aim to inspire the next generation of Saudi thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers by fostering deeper engagement in STEM fields, sparking curiosity, igniting passion for discovery, and encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning.”

Having previously held leadership roles at Twitter and MSN Arabia, Ibrahim has spent her career exploring how digital platforms shape engagement with both entertainment and educational content.

The STEM Feed functions as an optional content stream on TikTok, highlighting videos from trusted creators, educators, and STEM enthusiasts. These include figures like Abdullah Al-Alawi, a Saudi dentist who shares health-related content in a fun and lighthearted manner, and @qadrat_rawan (Rawan’s Abilities), an educational platform with over 400,000 followers and 4.2 million likes.

The content is “regionally optimized” and reviewed for accuracy and credibility in collaboration with local partners such as Majarra, a provider of Arabic-language educational content. TikTok has also partnered with Common Sense Networks and the Poynter Institute to verify the reliability of STEM-related material.

“To maintain the quality and integrity of the STEM feed, all STEM content is carefully reviewed by our teams or in collaboration with Common Sense Networks and Poynter,” Ibrahim said. “Leveraging the partnership with these organizations will ensure that all STEM content is thoroughly vetted for appropriateness and accuracy.”

Since its global rollout three years ago, the STEM Feed has seen steady growth, reflecting a strong demand for knowledge-sharing on the platform. Ibrahim said the initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which emphasizes digital transformation and education.

“We have seen an increasing interest (in) STEM content on TikTok, and we anticipate further growth as engagement continues to rise,” she said. “This initiative reflects TikTok’s dedication to empowering talent and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals through tailored programs that nurture future generations.”

She added that launching the initiative in Saudi Arabia first underscores TikTok’s “commitment to fostering education-based communities, empowering discovery, and connecting dynamic communities through shared interests.”

Following the introduction of the STEM Feed in Saudi Arabia, TikTok now plans to expand the initiative to the UAE and Egypt later this year, Ibrahim revealed to Arab News.

The move comes at a critical time for the Chinese-owned platform, which faces a potential ban in the US. While an executive order by former President Donald Trump temporarily halted Congress’ efforts to block the app, its long-term future remains uncertain as TikTok executives and US lawmakers continue negotiations. The platform has also faced scrutiny over its impact on younger users.

A recent study by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that more than half of young users spend over an hour a day on TikTok, with 24 percent exceeding two hours. In December, Saudi Arabia ranked fifth globally in TikTok traffic, accounting for 3.13 percent of visits worldwide — roughly 80.6 million visits — according to analytics platform Semrush. This has raised concerns about the platform’s effect on young users’ mental health and exposure to harmful content.

Ibrahim said TikTok is addressing these issues by prioritizing user safety and creating “a platform that is a digital safe space for all.

“We implemented several tools to ensure a safer experience for younger users. For example, accounts for users aged 13-15 are automatically set to private, and features like Live and Direct Messaging are restricted for younger teens,” she said.

She added that TikTok collaborates with parents and caregivers through tools such as Family Pairing, which allows them to “filter out” videos containing specific words or hashtags they prefer their teens not to see.

To further support younger users, TikTok has introduced initiatives such as a global Youth Council, which brings together 15 teenagers from diverse backgrounds to provide insights on platform safety. The company also partners with mental health organizations to provide in-app resources.

Ibrahim emphasized that while TikTok is working to mitigate potential risks, it also aims to expand its role in the MENA region’s digital landscape.
“Our goal is to help build a sustainable creative economy where local talent can shine on a global stage,” she said.

TikTok has launched several initiatives in the region, including the TikTok Creator Summit, which connects users with established content creators, and the Creator Hub program, designed to support emerging talent. The platform has also partnered with major events such as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and the Saudi Pro League to create digital experiences and exclusive content hubs.

Additionally, TikTok collaborated with the Red Sea International Film Festival to launch a short film competition, offering regional creatives a chance to connect with industry professionals and global audiences.


State of the Saudi media sector and investment opportunities it offers

State of the Saudi media sector and investment opportunities it offers
Updated 04 May 2025
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State of the Saudi media sector and investment opportunities it offers

State of the Saudi media sector and investment opportunities it offers

RIYADH: The General Authority for Media Regulation has released a report, “The State of the Saudi Media Sector and Investment Opportunities for 2024,” which provides an overview of the media landscape in the Kingdom and highlights the significant transformations the sector is undergoing to keep pace with Saudi Vision 2030.

The report reflects promising investment opportunities, in addition to the technical and regulatory shifts that support the growth and sustainability of the sector. It also illustrates the magnitude of the boom in the Saudi media sector, which has achieved remarkable development driven by digital transformation and technological advance, improving the efficiency of media content and enhancing its global competitiveness.

The media authority’s estimates in the report indicate that the contribution of the media sector to the direct and indirect gross domestic product increased to 0.57 per cent in 2024, amounting to SAR16 billion ($4.26 billion), compared with 0.52 per cent in 2023.

The authority continues to work towards achieving its ambitious goals of raising this percentage to 0.8 percent by 2030. In terms of investment in human capital, job growth reached 67,000 jobs, with a rate of 22 percent by the end of 2024, with the aim of reaching 160,000 jobs by 2030.

The report also identified six key transformations in the media industry in the Kingdom, including the increasing demand for local content, developing media infrastructure, adopting modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, improving the regulatory environment, supporting national talents and competencies, and expanding investment opportunities.

The report confirms that the Kingdom has become a prominent destination for media investment, providing a flexible regulatory environment and mega-projects aimed at enhancing the media industry.

It also addressed the opportunities available to investors in content production, the development of electronic games, investment in media infrastructure, and international partnerships in the Saudi media market. In addition, the continued innovation and adoption of modern technologies to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi media globally is a crucial factor because the sector has elements that make it one of the main drivers of economic and cultural development in the Kingdom.

The report details the opportunities and challenges in the sector and covers the five media divisions supervised by the General Authority for Media Regulation: publishing; audio; visual; advertising; and games sectors.

The authority, through the report, hopes to improve understanding of the local media landscape and provide clear and accurate data to media entities and local and international investors, to highlight the promising opportunities in the sector.

The report is a comprehensive reference for the state of media in the Kingdom and is provides a guide for local and international investors and researchers in the sector. The authority urges interested partis to view the report on its website at https://gmedia.gov.sa/ar/media-status-report


Algerian TV channel suspended for racism against African migrants

Echorouk News TV. (X @echoroukonline)
Echorouk News TV. (X @echoroukonline)
Updated 03 May 2025
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Algerian TV channel suspended for racism against African migrants

Echorouk News TV. (X @echoroukonline)
  • Since the start of April, Algeria has expelled some 5,000 Africans to neighbouring Niger, according to state television. About half were from Niger

ALGIERS: Algerian authorities on Friday suspended broadcasts by a television news channel for 10 days after it used a racist word on social media to describe African migrants.
Echorouk News TV used the derogatory word in a Facebook post after police raids in which migrants from sub-Saharan Africa were detained.
The ANIRA broadcasting authority called the publication "extremely serious".
The report contained "a racist and discriminatory term, an attack on human dignity, conveying hate speech against a category of people because of their race," said ANIRA which demanded that the channel's management make an official apology.
Tens of thousands of undocumented African migrants have used Algeria as a staging post to attempt to get to Europe. Many have sought jobs in the North African country.
Since the start of April, Algeria has expelled some 5,000 Africans to neighbouring Niger, according to state television. About half were from Niger.
 

 


Eurovision lifts ban on Palestinian flags as scrutiny of Israel’s participation grows

Eurovision lifts ban on Palestinian flags as scrutiny of Israel’s participation grows
Updated 02 May 2025
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Eurovision lifts ban on Palestinian flags as scrutiny of Israel’s participation grows

Eurovision lifts ban on Palestinian flags as scrutiny of Israel’s participation grows
  • Fans will now be allowed to bring and display any flag that does not contain racist content, hate symbols
  • Iceland, Spain and Slovenia have all raised concerns about Israel’s participation at this year’s contest

LONDON: Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest have lifted a ban on Palestinian flags for audience members, but maintained restrictions for participating artists, as pressure over Israel’s inclusion in this year’s event increased.

The change, confirmed by Danish broadcaster DR, marks a shift from the European Broadcasting Union’s longstanding rule prohibiting flags from non-competing countries and territories. That policy led to Palestinian flags being banned in previous years.

According to updated guidelines obtained by DR, fans will now be allowed to bring and display any flag that does not contain “racist and/or discriminatory content,” or symbols thought to incite hatred, violence, or linked to banned organizations.

In a statement to CNN, the EBU said the update seeks to “strike a balance to ensure that our audiences and artists can express their enthusiasm and identities,” while offering greater clarity for national delegations.

However, the relaxed policy applies only to the audience. Participating artists will still be restricted to displaying official national flags in all official Eurovision spaces, including the stage, green room, and Eurovision Village. Artists may show only the flag of the country they represent.

The revised policy comes amid growing criticism of Israel’s participation in this year’s contest to be held in Basel, Switzerland, with semifinals on May 13 and 15 and the final on May 17.

Officials in countries including Slovenia, Spain and Iceland have questioned Israel’s inclusion.

Icelandic Foreign Minister Porgerour Katrin Gunnarsdottir told a local outlet she found it “strange and actually unnatural that Israel is allowed to participate,” accusing the country of committing “war crimes” and “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza.

Despite these objections, the EBU has confirmed that Israel’s entry meets the competition’s rules. As with last year, large-scale protests are expected in Basel against Israel’s participation.

Despite pressure from pro-Israel organizations, Swiss authorities said demonstrations are permitted in principle, including those opposing Israel’s presence, provided they comply with public safety regulations.


Spotify, EA Sports test in-game music integration in Saudi Arabia

Spotify, EA Sports test in-game music integration in Saudi Arabia
Updated 01 May 2025
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Spotify, EA Sports test in-game music integration in Saudi Arabia

Spotify, EA Sports test in-game music integration in Saudi Arabia
  • Players in Kingdom can now link their account directly with video game

LONDON: Spotify and EA Sports have launched a pilot project that allows players to link their Spotify accounts directly with the EA Sports FC 25 video game.

The feature is being rolled out in Saudi Arabia and selected other markets.

The project, which was announced on Thursday, enables Spotify Premium users to log in via a new tab in the main game menu and control music playback during gameplay, including during team selection or from the pause menu.

The Swedish music platform said the partnership aimed at offering players more control over their in-game audio.

It said: “Long seen as the perfect companion to gaming, music boosts focus, amplifies adrenaline, and heightens the emotional highs of every match.

“Through this collaboration, players can now curate their perfect in-game soundtrack, listening to the artists they love.”

Podcast access and curated playlists will also be available.

The feature is currently accessible to Premium users playing EA Sports FC 25 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in Saudi Arabia and Australia.

The Kingdom has become a growing market for gaming and electronic sports, driven by a young and tech-savvy population.

Gaming now plays a prominent role in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 diversification strategy, with plans for the sector to contribute more than $13 billion to the economy and create tens of thousands of jobs, according to Savvy Games Group.

Riyadh hosted the inaugural Esports World Cup last summer, a large-scale tournament featuring 23 events across major titles including Fortnite, Call of Duty, and EA Sports FC, with a record-setting prize pool of $62.5 million.


Jeddah communication conference explores anime’s digital evolution

Jeddah communication conference explores anime’s digital evolution
Updated 01 May 2025
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Jeddah communication conference explores anime’s digital evolution

Jeddah communication conference explores anime’s digital evolution
  • The session focused on anime’s shift from traditional television broadcasts and DVDs to digital platforms, including live streaming, instant subtitling and cloud-based production

RIYADH: The eighth session of the Digital Communication Conference, titled “Anime in the Digital Space,” explored the transformation of Japanese anime over the past two decades, highlighting the impact of digital innovation and the internet.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the session focused on anime’s shift from traditional television broadcasts and DVDs to digital platforms, including live streaming, instant subtitling and cloud-based production.

Streaming giants such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation were highlighted as pivotal players in the transition, offering translated or dubbed episodes immediately upon release and funding original series such as “Devilman Crybaby” and “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.”

Speakers in the session, including Manga Productions CEO Essam Bukhary, said that social media and online forums have opened the door to unprecedented engagement among fans, as well as community and cultural interaction, since audiences now take part in evaluating episodes.

Concerns were raised that heavy dependence on technology could erode the handcrafted aesthetic that defines traditional anime.

Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning interest in manga and anime, which dates back to the 1970s, is helping to usher in a revolution in cultural production.

Japanese art forms have captivated audiences of all ages, gaining significant popularity in recent years. Their ability to combine entertainment, culture and education has made them of great interest to Saudi society.

To support this interest, the General Entertainment Authority has hosted events like the Saudi Anime Expo, drawing international visitors.

In line with these efforts, the ministries of culture and education launched the Manga Education program to nurture student talent, as well as integrate arts and culture into public education.