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.
Quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Sora in UAE? | No. App Store search will not show it under a UAE Apple ID. |
| Can a VPN help? | It will load the sign-in page, but you still need a live invite code and it may violate OpenAI terms. |
| Typical video length | 10 seconds per clip in the current invite build. |
| Key feature | Cameo lets users appear in AI videos after a three-second selfie and consent. |
Why OpenAI is keeping the launch small
1. Compute limits
OpenAI calls the initial quotas “generous” but still restricted to manage GPU load.
2. Safety testing
The Sora 2 system card lists new moderation layers for minors, likeness abuse and policy violations.
3. Simpler regulation
Restricting access to one legal framework helps OpenAI refine privacy and copyright policies before facing diverse data laws in regions like the Gulf.
Expected rollout timeline
OpenAI says it will “expand quickly” once stability and policy goals are met. Historical precedent with ChatGPT suggests a 6-to-12 month lag between first release and broader availability. Watch the Help Center page for edits, as that is where new countries appear first.
How UAE users can position themselves now
1. Secure an invite code
- Join the official OpenAI Discord and complete the
#openai-verificationstep to unlock #sora-2 where codes drop in real time.
Monitor X (Twitter) search for “Sora 2 invite code” and filter by Latest*. Codes rarely last more than five minutes.
2. Prepare a cameo clip
Record a 3-second selfie video in good lighting. You cannot generate clips with your likeness until you upload one.
3. Set up a US App Store account
If you manage to claim a code you will need the iOS app, which is US-only for now.
4. Track policy updates
Bookmark the Sora Help Center article and OpenAI’s system card to catch changes in age limits, content rules, or regional expansion.
Alternatives you can use from the UAE today
| Model | Provider | Access method | Free tier | Notable upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen-3 Alpha | Runway | Web app | 25 credits | Fine-grained motion controls and global availability. |
| Veo 3 | Google Labs | VideoFX wait-list | Yes | Longer clips and Cinematic mode. |
| Imagen 4 (stills) | Google Labs | ImageFX | Yes | High-resolution frames to stitch into video. |
Insider tip: Many UAE creators pair Runway Gen-3 for motion with ChatGPT-generated scripts, then layer local Arabic voice-over for a regional touch.
