Two creators from Dubai and Riyadh made TikTok's exclusive global 'Discover List' for 2026

TikTok's annual Discover List 2026 has landed, and two creators from the Middle East have earned their spots among 50 global talents to watch. According to TikTok's announcement, Dubai's Ramy Soli made the Foodies category whilst Riyadh's Yasmeen Alshafai secured a place in the Icons category — marking a significant moment for the region's creator economy.

What is The Discover List 2026?

The Discover List 2026 is TikTok's global showcase of 50 creators spread across five distinct categories: Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators, and Originators. These aren't just random picks — creators were evaluated based on their impact over the past six months, including video performance, community engagement, and their ability to spark conversations beyond the platform.

"At TikTok we are committed to celebrating our inspiring creator community," said James Stafford, Global Head of Content Operations at TikTok. "From the Educators who are inspiring their communities to learn something new, to the Originators who share their businesses with global audiences on TikTok, we are proud to be a space where new talent can be discovered."

Who are the MENA creators on the list?

Ramy Soli (@ramysoli) from Dubai earned recognition in the Foodies category for his approach to culinary storytelling that goes beyond recipes. His content brings together culture, flavour, and shared experiences — exactly the kind of authentic storytelling that's driving social commerce trends across UAE and Saudi.

Yasmeen Alshafai (@yasmeen_alshafai) from Riyadh landed in the Icons category, recognised for her ability to shape culture, spark conversations, and inspire communities through creative expression. Icons are creators who "need no introduction" according to TikTok — they set trends and build expansive communities.

Together, they represent what TikTok describes as "the depth of talent emerging from the region, forging new paths for creativity and making an impact on TikTok and beyond."

Why this matters for MENA's creator economy

Their inclusion reflects something bigger happening across the Middle East and North Africa. According to TikTok, creators in the region are now building highly engaged communities, driving cultural trends, and contributing to a new era of digital entrepreneurship. The platform has been investing heavily in the region — adding Dhs 4B to UAE's economy and supporting thousands of jobs.

The recognition underscores how local storytelling and cultural authenticity are resonating globally. It's not just about follower counts — it's about creators who understand their communities and can translate that connection into cultural impact.

This aligns with broader digital marketing trends for 2026, where authenticity and community-first content are becoming essential for global reach.

The five categories explained

The Discover List breaks creators into distinct categories, each representing different ways to build influence:

• Educators: Make learning accessible and entertaining, from science to life skills
• Foodies: Share culinary experiences that transport viewers through taste and culture
• Icons: Trend-setters who define modern creativity and build expansive communities
• Innovators: Pioneers with unconventional approaches and fearless originality
• Originators: Entrepreneurs using TikTok to build businesses and transform industries

The diversity reflects TikTok's evolution from entertainment platform to a space where creators can build careers across multiple disciplines.

How creators were selected

TikTok's selection process was community-driven, with global teams nominating creators who've made significant impact over the past six months. The evaluation looked beyond basic metrics — they considered video performance, audience growth, engagement quality, and most importantly, content that sparked global conversations.

It's a recognition system that values substance over surface-level popularity, focusing on creators who are genuinely shaping their communities and industries.

Where to follow The Discover List creators

You can follow the journey of all 50 creators using #TheDiscoverList on TikTok. TikTok has also published The Discover List 2026 Lookbook with detailed profiles of each creator, available through the platform's official channels.

Both Ramy Soli and Yasmeen Alshafai are active on their respective TikTok accounts, continuing to create content that represents the growing influence of MENA creators on the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Discover List 2026?

The Discover List 2026 is TikTok's global showcase of 50 creators to watch across five categories: Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators, and Originators. Creators are selected based on their impact, engagement, and ability to spark conversations over the past six months.

Which MENA creators are featured on The Discover List 2026?

Two creators from the MENA region are featured: Ramy Soli (@ramysoli) from Dubai in the Foodies category, and Yasmeen Alshafai (@yasmeen_alshafai) from Riyadh in the Icons category.

What is the significance of MENA creators on the list?

Their inclusion highlights the rapid evolution of the creator ecosystem and digital entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa, showcasing the region's growing global relevance in creative economy and cultural trends.

How were Discover List creators selected?

TikTok's global team nominated creators based on their impact over the past six months, evaluating video performance, community engagement, account growth, and content that sparked global conversations.

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