1 Billion Followers Summit: World’s largest content creator event kicks off in Dubai tomorrow
MrBeast and global influencers lead initiatives under ‘Content for Good’
DUBAI – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, the world’s largest event for the content creator economy, will begin tomorrow.
The three-day Summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, will be held across Emirates Towers, DIFC and the Museum of the Future in Dubai under the theme ‘Content for Good’. Attendance is expected to exceed 30,000, with more than 15,000 top Arab and international creators and influencers taking part.
We’re bringing you closer to the creators shaping culture, trends, and ways of life. Closer to the storytellers, the doers, and the fearless minds behind moments that inspire millions.
— 1 Billion Followers Summit (@1billionsummit) January 8, 2026
Join us where the best and the biggest come together, with you at the center of it all.
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Over 500 speakers representing a combined audience of 3.5 billion followers, alongside more than 150 CEOs and industry experts, will contribute to the event’s sessions and dialogues. The Summit provides a platform for sharing expertise, addressing industry challenges, and collectively shaping the future of digital media.
1 Billion Followers Summit
The 1 Billion Followers Summit will feature over 580 keynote sessions, roundtables, fireside chats, workshops and debates across three main tracks: Economy, Content and Technology. Experts from leading global and regional technology, digital and social media firms will share insights about the latest trends in content creation, business, investment, and the digital economy.
Under the patronage of Mohammed bin Rashid: 1 Billion Followers Summit kicks off tomorrow featuring global figures and 500+ speakers with a combined audience of 3.5 billion followers#1BillionSummit pic.twitter.com/vOIJGZ8ih2
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) January 8, 2026
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted that the Summit underscores the UAE’s role as a hub for creativity and digital growth, successfully redefining the role of media over the past four years. “The Summit’s ability to draw such a large audience of content creators, influencers, platforms and major firms is a testament to the UAE’s position as the premier destination for industry innovators,” he said.
Content for Good
The Summit focuses on two main pillars. The first pillar emphasises shifting from content creation to impact creation through the ‘Content for Good’ initiative. As part of this, the Summit and MrBeast, the world’s most-followed YouTuber, launched the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness campaign with support from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and the Varkey Foundation. Ten content creators will join MrBeast to lead this global social movement, with their names announced during the Summit.
Additionally, the Summit and TikTok launched the world’s first Educators Award, designed to highlight outstanding educational content creators. Five strategic partnerships supporting Content for Good were also announced with YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, X and Meta.
AI integration
The second pillar focuses on integrating AI tools into content creation. In partnership with Google Gemini, the Summit launched the AI Film Award with a $1 million prize. The award attracted over 30,000 participants from 116 countries, with five shortlisted films to be screened before the winner is announced on Day 2.
Here’s how you can attend the #AIFilmAward Premiere at the #1BillionSummit.. ????✨
— 1 Billion Followers Summit (@1billionsummit) January 8, 2026
Join us for an exclusive screening of the 5 shortlisted films competing for the $1,000,000 #AIFilmAward.
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P.s. Winners will be announced on January 9.… pic.twitter.com/QFqzvRaVLu
Day 3 will also reveal the winners of the Creators Ventures Accelerator, part of the Creators Ventures programme. Organised by Creators HQ in collaboration with 500 Global, it supports content creators and creative start-ups pitching ideas to top investors. Winners will gain investment opportunities and support valued at up to Dh 50 million. The programme received 1,131 applications from more than 70 countries.
Global platforms
The Summit convenes executives from Snapchat, X, YouTube, TikTok, Meta (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp), Disney+ and TWITCH to explore the future of the creator economy. Discussions will cover expanding audiences, positive social impact, intellectual property protection, combating misinformation, AI applications, analytics, and community-building strategies.
What if you could meet the world’s top creators and creative leaders, for 3 days, in one place?
— 1 Billion Followers Summit (@1billionsummit) January 8, 2026
The #1BillionSummit could be exactly what you need to skyrocket your career.
This is where things happen, and you don’t want to miss it.
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ماذا لو أتيحت… pic.twitter.com/Shr0r8JsAX
Officials, top influencers and global celebrities will host impactful sessions, beginning with the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness panel. Speakers include Saeed Al Eter, CEO of MBRGI; Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation; MrBeast; and Jeffrey Housenbold, CEO of Beast Industries. The panel will examine how content creators can translate acts of kindness into tangible societal impact.
Live performances
Day 1 includes a candid conversation with Max Amini, acclaimed comedian, director, producer, and podcaster. Amini will explore his creative process, career journey, and the foundations of his comedy brand.
On Day 2, Amini will deliver a high-energy two-hour live performance, enhancing the Summit experience for attendees.
Day 2 also features a fireside chat with Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump and media figure, host of My View with Lara Trump on FOX News, Billboard-charted artist, and founder of a fitness clothing brand. She served as Co-Chair of Donald Trump’s 2024 Republican National Committee campaign. Her discussion will explore her career in politics, media, and entrepreneurship, as well as advocacy for family, animals, and wellness.
Celebrity panels
Another panel will feature Will Smith and Faris Saeed, Founder & Chairman of SEE Holdings. They will discuss Smith’s Pole to Pole National Geographic series, documenting his journey across seven continents while engaging with scientists and local communities to understand global changes and their implications.
Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, will share insights on brand building, long-term vision, and designing for impact, highlighting how ambitious concepts are turned into global landmarks.
Rio Ferdinand, retired English footballer and entrepreneur, will discuss his transition from sports to broadcasting, entrepreneurship and content creation, offering a perspective on legacy and purpose-driven influence.
Simon Squibb, British entrepreneur and previous $1 million stage winner, will reveal lessons learned while giving the prize away to others, exploring the ripple effects of investment on creators and start-ups. On Day 3, Squibb will sign his best-selling book, What’s Your Dream?
Meet the authors in person! Join us for three exciting book signings at #1BillionSummit, featuring Simon Squibb, Dr. Julie Smith, and Adam Aleksic.
— 1 Billion Followers Summit (@1billionsummit) January 7, 2026
????Emaar Arena, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai
????9-11 January 2026
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Innovation & impact
Throughout the Summit, sessions will focus on practical and creative solutions to challenges in the content creation industry. Speakers will address the role of AI, analytics, and technology in shaping the creator economy, alongside strategies to foster meaningful engagement and responsible content.
The Summit represents a convergence of the world’s most influential creators, platforms, investors, and policymakers, all aiming to strengthen the power of digital content to generate economic growth and social impact.