Snapchat rolls out Accelerator Program at 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai
More than 20 sessions guide content creators on growth, storytelling and monetisation
DUBAI – Snapchat has wrapped up its high profile participation in the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest gathering dedicated to the creator economy, by hosting a packed programme of training, networking and business focused sessions in Dubai.
The global platform operated a dedicated Snapchat House at the event, which became the centre of its engagement with creators, brands and industry leaders. More than 20 sessions, workshops and panel discussions were delivered across the three days, aimed at helping creators build audiences, refine their storytelling and develop sustainable revenue streams on Snapchat.
The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, runs till Sunday at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, DIFC and the Museum of the Future under the theme ‘Content for Good’. The fourth edition brings together more than 15,000 content creators and influencers, alongside over 500 expert speakers whose combined digital following exceeds 3.5 billion. More than 150 CEOs and global experts are taking part, while overall attendance has crossed 30,000 visitors from around the world, making it one of the largest global events of its kind for the digital content industry.
1 Billion Followers Summit
Across the wider event, more than 580 sessions and specialised networking forums explored the evolving creator economy, brand partnerships, emerging technologies and the future of digital storytelling. Speaking at the summit, Saeed Al Eter, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office, said the event continues to refine its vision and programmes to elevate the content industry and develop creative talent through stronger partnerships with major global platforms.
Al Eter described the fourth edition as a turning point in the summit’s history, underlining the role of social media platforms in enabling creators to scale their businesses and generate positive impact in their communities. He also highlighted how new technologies and the expanding use of artificial intelligence are reshaping how creators work, reach audiences and monetise their content.
Snapchat’s presence at the summit was anchored by the Snap Accelerator Program, its flagship talent development initiative designed to support creators at every stage of their journey. Ten dedicated sessions were delivered as part of the programme, focusing on audience growth, platform tools, creative formats and long term business development.
Snap focus
Antoine Challita, UAE Country Head for Snap Inc. in MENA, said the UAE has established itself as a global hub for the creative and digital economy, with content creators playing an increasingly influential role in shaping culture and storytelling across the region. He noted that creators are moving towards more intentional, culturally grounded content while placing greater emphasis on building long term value.
Challita added that Snapchat’s participation in the 1 Billion Followers Summit reflected its commitment to supporting this direction. Through initiatives such as the Snap Accelerator Program, the company focused on equipping creators with the skills, tools and understanding required to grow responsibly, strengthen their storytelling and turn creativity into sustainable opportunity on the platform.
The Accelerator sessions were led by a team of Snap specialists from across the MENA region and beyond. They included Ali Alshehri and Aya Kalouti, Talent Partnerships Managers for MENA; Reem Matloub, Snap’s Content Partnerships Manager with more than 17 years of digital media experience; Mashael AlBelaihed, a Junior Talent Partnership Associate specialising in fashion and beauty; Naif Alqumaizy, a Junior Talent Partnerships team member working with sports and travel creators; and Ahmad Fares, the Creator Education Senior Specialist who leads Snap School across MENA.
Alongside the Accelerator, Snap School was delivered in four sessions designed to provide practical guidance on best practice for using Snapchat’s tools and formats. These sessions, led by AlBelaihed, Alqumaizy and Fares, focused on helping creators optimise content, improve discoverability and build more engaged audiences.
Creator business
A series of keynote talks, panel discussions and fireside chats at Snapchat House centred on the business of content creation and how creators can turn digital influence into sustainable income. One of the headline conversations, Breaking Through with Content, brought together Reem Matloub and Ahmad Fares to explore how creators can cut through crowded digital spaces with authentic storytelling and strong platform strategies.
Another fireside chat, Creators & Brands: Turning Connection Into Collaboration, examined how influencers can work with brands in ways that feel natural and credible. The session featured Samer Lahoud, Snap’s award winning Head of Creative Strategy for MENA; Heidi Felfella, a Senior Creative Strategist for Creator Marketing with more than a decade of industry experience; and Rami Saad, Co Founder and Chief Business Officer of Halo AI, who is known for building digital media ecosystems.
The commercial side of the platform was also in focus during Building Brands, One Snap at a Time, a practical panel on how to create and scale a business on Snapchat. Speakers included Angelo Di Sotto, Client Partner at Snapchat with over 18 years of experience in digital strategy; Mayowa Tola Voss, a Client Partner with a 12 year background in digital advertising; and Shadi Abdel Malek, Snap’s Business Development Manager with 15 years at leading technology companies.
A keynote session titled Building your Public Profile on Snapchat, delivered by Majd AbiAli from Snap’s EMEA Sports and Media Partnerships team, outlined how creators and brands can bring personality and identity to life through public profiles and discoverable content.
Voices on stage
The programme also featured creator led sessions designed to offer personal insight into the realities of building a digital career. Comedy Over Coffee marked Snap’s first comedy led creator session in MENA, with Arabic stand up comedian Mohamed Helmy, founder of HelmyMan Events, sharing an entertaining and candid look at the creator journey.
An intimate fireside chat titled The Female Lens: Where Authenticity Shapes Empowerment brought together content creator Sara Al Wari and Reem Matloub to discuss how female creators are building engaged communities and transforming creativity into opportunity across the region.