OpenAI’s Sora 2 video app is invite-only and currently limited to users in the United States and Canada. UAE creators can prepare by tracking the official Discord for live codes, setting up a US App Store account, and recording a cameo selfie so they are ready the moment regional access opens.
Sora 2 is not in the UAE yet.
OpenAI cites compute, safety and legal simplicity as the main reasons.
A VPN alone will not grant entry; an invite code is mandatory.
The fastest route is the official OpenAI Discord plus real-time X monitoring.
Runway Gen-3 and Google Veo 3 offer solid interim options for AI video creation.
OpenAI has opened its Sora 2 text-to-video model and the companion Sora iOS app only in the United States and Canada. The Help Center article that tracks access was updated three days ago and still lists no other regions.
Launch and Announcement Sora 2
OpenAI announced Sora 2 on September 30, 2025, as the next-generation AI video and audio generation model with major improvements.
The announcement highlighted new capabilities like synchronized dialogue and sound effects, sharper physics modeling, and multi-shot consistency.
Sora 2 powers the new invite-only standalone iOS Sora app and will be accessible later via sora.com and an API (timeline pending).[1][4][5]
Current Availability
The Sora app and Sora 2 model are initially available only in the United States and Canada.
Access requires an invite that grants entry to the iOS app and sora.com.
OpenAI intends to expand quickly to other countries once they ensure scalable infrastructure and safety.[3][5][1]
Key Features Sora 2
Generates videos with realistic physics such as bouncing balls behaving naturally.
Supports insertion of user likeness in videos through the Cameo feature, which requires a recorded selfie video for identity verification.
The app includes a TikTok-style social feed with algorithmic personalization and options to remix and share clips.
Generated videos carry watermarks and Content Credentials metadata for provenance and responsible use.
Safety mechanisms focus on preventing misuse, such as nonconsensual likeness use and material involving minors.[4][1][3]
Limitations and Rollout Strategy
OpenAI controls access to manage high computational loads and test safety moderation layers.
The launch focuses on the U.S. and Canada to simplify legal, privacy, and copyright compliance.
Expected global availability may take 6 to 12 months following initial release based on historical rollout patterns for OpenAI products.[5][8][1]
Guidance for UAE Users
No official support or app availability in UAE as of October 2025.
UAE users should join OpenAI’s official Discord for invite codes, noting that invites are scarce and codes expire quickly.
A U.S. Apple ID is required to download the iOS app currently.
Follow the official Help Center and OpenAI announcements for updates on expanded availability.[1][5]
Model
Provider
Access Method
Main Advantages
Gen-3 Alpha
Runway
Web app
Global access, precise motion controls
Veo 3
Google Labs
Wait-list
Longer clips, cinematic mode
Imagen 4
Google Labs
ImageFX
High-resolution still frames
UAE creators often combine Runway Gen-3 and ChatGPT-generated scripts with local تعليق صوتي عربي for cultural relevance.[11]
OpenAI’s Sora 2 introduces state-of-the-art AI video generation but remains US-Canada exclusive during this early phase. The model’s advanced features and safety-focused rollout reflect careful scaling. UAE users should prepare by securing invites and exploring alternatives while awaiting regional launch announcements.[3][4][5][11][1]
Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. He earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media.
Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society.
Luca’s work has appeared across leading digital publications, where he delivers detailed reviews, investigative reports, and feature analyses on major players such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity AI.
Beyond writing, he mentors young journalists entering the AI-tech field and advocates for transparent, ethical technology communication. His goal is to make the future of technology understandable and responsible for everyone.
Elena Voren is a senior journalist and Tech Section Editor with 8 years of experience focusing on AI ethics, social media impact, and consumer software. She is recognized for interviewing industry leaders and academic experts while clearly distinguishing opinion from evidence-based reporting.
She earned her B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2016), where she studied human-computer interaction, AI, and digital behavior.
Elena’s work emphasizes the societal implications of technology, ensuring readers understand both the practical and ethical dimensions of emerging tools. She leads the Tech Section at Faharas NET, supervising coverage on AI, consumer software, digital society, and privacy technologies, while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
Based in Berlin, Germany, Elena provides insightful analyses on technology trends, ethical AI deployment, and the influence of social platforms on modern life.
