News DeskDubai, UAE – Gushcloud, a global AI-powered creator and IP management company, has partnered with leading UAE companies and business personalities to transform the talent and creator economy in the Middle East. This strategic collaboration aims to bridge the East with the West by leveraging a robust network and abundant resources.
Gushcloud has teamed up with Michel Chahda, founder and CEO of Talent Plus, to scout and sign talents, celebrities, and creators in the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and South Asia. This partnership seeks to create opportunities for regional talents to enter markets in Asia and Hollywood and to introduce American and Asian talents to the MENA and South Asia regions.
The initiative is backed by ADM Holdings, part of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum’s business empire, and J&F Holdings, a private firm owned by Faisal Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Chambers and a judge on Shark Tank Dubai. This alliance follows the opening of Gushcloud’s 12th office in Abu Dhabi last year, marking its first foray into the region.
Talent Plus, now aligned with Gushcloud’s expansive network across Australia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the USA, aims to facilitate cross-border deals and international campaigns for MENA- and South Asia-based talents. Under Michel Chahda’s leadership, Gushcloud will also expand its reach by introducing American and Asian talents to these new regions.
Althea Lim, Gushcloud CEO and Co-Founder, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “True to our vision of bridging the East with the West, we are now partners with Talent Plus, ADM Holdings, and J&F Holdings to strengthen our network and capabilities in these regions with untapped potential, and abundant capital and resources. We couldn’t have chosen a better partner in Michel as he is an entertainment veteran in this part of the world. His leadership, our network, and our new corporate partners here will only make Gushcloud bigger, better, and more capable of meeting the demands of the ever-growing creator economy. This is another step for Gushcloud toward becoming a truly global creator economy company.”
Michel Chahda, with two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry, has significantly impacted the region’s talent management and influencer marketing sectors. His extensive work with multinational brands and government entities, along with his connections in the global football industry, positions him as a key player in this venture.
“I am proud and excited to enter this new venture with Gushcloud on behalf of my company Talent Plus. Joining forces to combine our local knowledge of the markets and talents, with Gushcloud’s global network, is a formidable combination. I’m thankful to have the support of ADM Holdings and J&F Holdings so we can start on a strong footing in MENA, South Asia, and beyond,” says Chahda.
The creator economy, valued at $250 billion and projected to reach $500 billion by 2027 according to Goldman Sachs, is rapidly expanding. With over 50 million content creators worldwide, the Middle East presents a promising market. Strategy& forecasts that digital content will comprise 46% of the projected $22 billion media spending by 2024 in the region. Additionally, GlobalWebIndex (GWI) reports that internet users in MENA average 8.4 social media accounts and spend about three and a half hours daily on social media.
This partnership positions Gushcloud and its collaborators at the forefront of the burgeoning creator economy, ready to capitalize on the region’s growing digital landscape.
