Snap Inc. has launched the first cohort of Snap Maher Academy in Saudi Arabia, an Arabic-first training initiative aimed at developing marketing talent and supporting the Kingdom’s growing digital marketing ecosystem, the company said on Monday.
The four-week program brings together 50 participants from organisations including Saudi Tourism Authority, Riyadh Air, stc Group, Zain Group, Jahez and the Ministry of Culture.
Snap said participants were selected based on their role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s marketing and digital economy, with the initiative positioned as a step toward building a more performance-driven marketing sector in the Kingdom.
The academy includes 16 hours of training and ends with certification. According to Snap, the curriculum is designed to help marketers move from short-term, conversion-focused campaigns toward full-funnel strategies aimed at delivering longer-term business growth.
“Today, growth isn’t driven by isolated campaigns; it’s built through full-funnel strategies that connect discovery to decision,” said Abdulla Alhammadi, Managing Director, KSA, Snap Inc.
“Through the Academy, we’re equipping our partners with the capabilities to do exactly that, unlocking stronger business outcomes while contributing to a more advanced marketing ecosystem in the Kingdom,” he added.
Delivering practical marketing training
The program will be delivered by Snap’s regional specialists across marketing, account management and creative strategy, combining practical learning with applications designed for immediate use within participants’ organisations.
Snap said the initiative also supports Saudi Arabia’s broader economic development goals by strengthening regional digital marketing capabilities and advancing measurable advertising practices.
The launch reflects increasing efforts by technology and media companies to invest in local talent development as competition intensifies across the Gulf’s digital advertising industry.
Supporting the next generation
The company said the academy was created as a Saudi-born initiative and is intended to support the next generation of marketers while contributing to a more resilient digital economy.
Snap added that the first cohort could serve as the foundation for expanding the program through future editions.
