Dubai’s 1 Billion Followers Summit unveils $1 million Best AI Film prize
Fourth edition of global content summit to run from 9–11 January 2026
DUBAI – The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest gathering dedicated to the creators economy, has confirmed its fourth edition, announcing new global initiatives, a record-breaking $1 million prize for the best AI-generated film, and an agenda featuring speakers with a combined following of over 3 billion people.
The Summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, reinforces the UAE’s growing position as a global hub for positive content creation and the digital economy. It will take place from 9 to 11 January 2026 across Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme “Content for Good.”
Preparatory meetings, spanning five days, recently concluded with participation from CEOs of leading social media platforms, industry experts, digital media companies, and prominent global creators. They explored strategies for purposeful content creation, storytelling, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, intellectual property tools, and combating misinformation. The discussions set the stage for an expanded edition of the Summit with international partnerships and new initiatives.
Best AI Fim Prize
Among the highlights is the announcement of the world’s largest prize for AI-generated films, valued at $1 million, in partnership with Google Gemini. The winning short film will be celebrated during the Summit, while the top 10 entries will also be showcased.
The initiative aims to advance creativity in film production using AI, with storytelling, realism, innovation, and humanitarian messaging forming the key judging criteria. The prize requires that the entire film be created using AI, combining aesthetic quality with meaningful impact. Full competition details will be released in September 2025.
Short films, now one of the most effective mediums for conveying powerful messages to global audiences, will be central to this initiative. The Summit hopes to encourage filmmakers worldwide to integrate AI creatively and responsibly into their projects.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s three decades of leadership in supporting the media and content creation sector. He noted: “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.”
New ventures for creators
During the preparatory meetings, it was announced that Dh50 million has been allocated for the Creators Ventures Program, designed to support innovative projects that make a global cultural and economic impact. The programme provides grants for socially positive projects and funding for joint ventures, enabling creators and creative tech developers to establish companies.
The initiative also introduces the Content Creators Accelerator Program, backed by Creators HQ in collaboration with 500 Global. With up to Dh50 million in funding, the programme incubates individual creators and content companies, equipping them with mentorship and resources to scale globally. Finalists will present their projects before leading investors and companies for sponsorship and investment opportunities.
A new Content Creation Companies Pavilion will also debut at the Summit. Known as the Creators Market, it will feature around 100 SMEs, including startups launched by content creators who transitioned into entrepreneurship. Through 10 display platforms, participants will showcase their projects, secure deals, and foster collaboration. Each platform will be dedicated to a single entrepreneur, creating a unique opportunity for global networking.
Expanding global impact
The Summit will further strengthen its international role through the second edition of the Creators Ventures Program. Organised in collaboration with 500 Global, it aims to attract global talent and encourage startups to relocate their headquarters to the UAE. The initiative allows startups and creators to pitch directly to investors, exploring funding requirements and market potential.
The Summit has also announced five ambassadors for its fourth edition:
- Simon Squibb, a serial entrepreneur and angel investor who has founded and invested in over 100 companies, now focusing on supporting aspiring entrepreneurs through his platform HelpBnk.
- Alexandra Mary Hirschi, known as Supercar Blondie, an Australia-born creator based in the UAE with over 100 million followers worldwide.
- Khalid Al Ameri, a UAE-based content creator and writer celebrated for his storytelling on culture, relationships, and social issues.
- Omar Farooq, a Bahraini creator behind the popular video series Omar Tries, whose YouTube channel has more than 6.7 million subscribers and 1.2 billion views.
- Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, a movement and media company inspiring millions globally to embrace curiosity and connection.
Partners and participation
The Summit’s main partners for 2026 include SEE Holding (developer of Dubai Sustainable City), Emirates as official airline, MBC Group, Sony, and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Additional partners include the Museum of the Future, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dinner in the Sky, Rode, and Talent Plus.
Major digital platforms confirmed for participation are Google, Meta, Instagram, YouTube, X, TikTok, and Snapchat, ensuring strong representation from the global social media industry.
The upcoming edition builds on the success of January 2025, when the third edition welcomed more than 15,000 creators, 420 speakers, and 125 CEOs and global experts. That event recorded over 30,000 in-person attendees, 1.5 billion digital interactions, and 542 million social media views. The official hashtag, #1BillionSummit, trended globally among the most-followed hashtags.