Dubai Set to Host the 4th Edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit with Million AI Film Prize and Ambitious Global Agenda
Dubai is poised to become the epicenter of the creators’ economy as it prepares for the fourth edition of the esteemed 1 Billion Followers Summit. Scheduled to take place from January 9 to 11, 2026, this grand assembly will unfold under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Organized by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit will utilize several of Dubai’s iconic venues, including the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. This year’s theme, “Content for Good,” reflects the UAE’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for purposeful content creation and the burgeoning digital economy.
A Landmark Initiative: The Million AI Film Prize
Among the summit’s ambitious announcements is the introduction of the world’s most substantial prize dedicated to AI-generated films—valued at an impressive million. Crafted in collaboration with Google Gemini, this competition invites filmmakers to submit their artistic endeavors, with the top ten shortlisted projects displayed during the summit. The winners will be evaluated on critical parameters such as storytelling prowess, creativity, the incorporation of artificial intelligence, and the thematic resonance of humanitarian values.
This initiative underscores the UAE’s strategic commitment to bridge the realms of artificial intelligence, creativity, and global narrative crafting. The emergence of short films as a vital medium for effective communication makes this competition not just timely, but also essential for fostering impactful dialogue among global audiences.
Encouraging Innovation: AED50 Million Creators Ventures Programme
In alignment with its objective to empower the creator economy, the summit has earmarked a staggering AED50 million for the Creators Ventures Programme. This initiative is designed to bolster global creative entrepreneurs, startups, and individuals who offer innovative concepts within the content ecosystem. Participants can benefit from grants, mentorship, and investment opportunities geared toward projects that promise cultural and economic significance. Additionally, a specialized accelerator program has been established in partnership with Creators HQ and 500 Global.
A noteworthy feature of this year’s summit will be the introduction of a Content Creation Companies Pavilion. This dedicated space will spotlight 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups from a variety of regions, enabling them to present their initiatives, attract potential investors, and engage in networking opportunities with international content industry leaders.
An Expansive Agenda and a Global Speaker Lineup
The agenda for the upcoming summit is poised to be notably expansive, incorporating interactive sessions, robust debates, and collaborative partnerships on a global scale. Thought leaders—including CEOs from prominent digital platforms, executives from major technology firms, and influential creators—will congregate to deliberate on a diverse range of subjects. Key topics will include monetization strategies, intellectual property rights, the integration of artificial intelligence, counteracting misinformation, and the prospective trajectory of the social media economy.
The summit has also enlisted notable ambassadors for this edition. Among them are:
– Simon Squibb, a veteran entrepreneur and angel investor
– Alexandra Mary Hirschi, popularly known as “Supercar Blondie,” a leading global automotive content creator based in the UAE
– Khalid Al Ameri, celebrated for his compelling cultural storytelling
– Omar Farooq, the Bahraini creator behind the widely recognized “Omar Tries” series
– Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory
Together, these ambassadors collectively boast a following exceeding three billion global users, further emphasizing the summit’s extensive reach and influence.
Collaborative Frameworks and Strategic Partnerships
Main partners for this year’s summit include SEE Holding (the developer of Dubai Sustainable City), Emirates (the official airline partner), MBC Group, Sony, and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Moreover, strategic collaborations have been established with tech titans such as Google, Meta, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, reinforcing the summit’s role as a global stage for leading digital platforms.
Building on Previous Successes
The previous iteration of the summit, held in January 2025, attracted over 30,000 attendees, comprising 15,000 creators, 420 speakers, and 125 CEOs. It generated 1.5 billion digital interactions and garnered over 542 million views across social media, with its official hashtag, #1BillionSummit, trending globally.
Reflecting on the significance of the content economy, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, emphasized, “The content economy is an economic power with limitless horizons. Today, the UAE is not only keeping pace with its developments but is also leading and charting new directions within that economy.’’
With the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, Dubai aims not only to solidify its standing as a global center for creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation within digital media but also to empower content creators to forge connections that foster a positive impact around the world.
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