1 Billion Followers Summit: Dubai set to host world’s largest content creator gathering
Global influencers to unite in UAE next week
DUBAI is set to host the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit from 9 to 11 January 2026, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the event will take place across iconic venues including Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future, under the theme “Content for Good.”
The Summit has rapidly evolved into the world’s largest gathering for content creators. In its four-year history, it has become a key platform for exploring the impact of digital content across all sectors, aligning with the UAE’s vision to position itself as a global media capital.
Saeed Al Eter, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office, said at a press conference at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, “In its inaugural edition, speakers at the summit totalled 1 billion followers, a number that grew to 3.5 billion in the fourth edition. Content is the driving force of media, and the Summit harnesses its positive impact globally.”
Al Eter was joined by Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the Summit, alongside representatives from major social media platforms and leading regional and global media outlets.
1 Billion Followers Summit
The Summit’s 2026 edition focuses on two primary pillars: transforming content into impact and integrating artificial intelligence in creative processes.
The first pillar centres on impact creation, encouraging creators to produce meaningful, socially positive content. A notable initiative under this theme is the collaboration with TikTok on an education-focused campaign that has seen 610,000 participants produce 320,000 educational videos, collectively amassing 1.8 billion views.
Al Eter explained, “Through the Summit, we aim to empower creators to make a tangible difference in communities. Our mission is to support creators whose work benefits both societies and nations.”
Additionally, the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness campaign, in partnership with MrBeast, invites creators worldwide to perform acts of kindness. Over 170,000 acts have already been documented, generating more than 100 million views within three weeks. The top ten creators will be selected to collaborate on humanitarian projects with support from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and the Varkey Foundation.
The Summit also unveiled five strategic partnerships with YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, X, and Meta, ensuring creators have access to platforms and resources to amplify content with global reach.
AI and innovation
The second pillar explores the integration of AI in content creation. In partnership with Google Gemini, the Summit launched the AI Film Award with a US$1 million grand prize. The competition has attracted over 30,000 participants from 116 countries, with five films shortlisted for the final stage.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping media and creative industries worldwide,” Al Eter said. “Our goal is to position the Summit at the heart of this transformation, enabling creators to leverage AI tools to craft innovative content.”
This year, AI discussions will cover everything from film-making to analytics, enabling creators to harness technology for broader impact while maintaining originality and ethical standards.
Global speakers and participants
Over 15,000 creators and influencers from the Arab world and beyond are expected to attend, alongside over 500 speakers. These include over 150 CEOs and global media experts. High-profile speakers will feature Lara Trump, former TV producer and host; James Stephen Donaldson, known as MrBeast; actor and producer Will Smith; and comedian, producer, and podcaster Max Amini.
Other notable attendees include Simon Squibb, British investor; Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar; and retired English footballer Rio Ferdinand, now a digital media entrepreneur.
The Summit’s programming will feature 400 keynote sessions, roundtables, fireside chats, workshops, and debates across three tracks: Economy, Content, and Technology. Each track brings together global experts and content creators to discuss trends, challenges, and best practices in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Shaping the creator economy
The Summit serves as a vital platform for networking and collaboration. Social media leaders and influencers will address strategies for expanding audiences, producing impactful content, protecting intellectual property, combating misinformation, and fostering online communities.
The Summit will also announce the winner of the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness campaign, recognising creators who have demonstrated measurable social impact. The selected creators will work alongside MrBeast to execute humanitarian projects, with global visibility through digital platforms.
In addition, the Creators Ventures Accelerator, organised in partnership with 500 Global, offers funding and support for creative start-ups. From 1,131 applications spanning over 70 countries, selected creators can receive investment opportunities up to Dh50 million to develop their ventures.
Awards and recognition
On the final day, the Summit will reveal the winner of the AI Film Award, with five shortlisted films showcased during the event. Public voting has contributed to selecting the top films from over 3,500 submissions, highlighting the global engagement of the creative community.
Another inaugural initiative, the Educator Award, launched in collaboration with TikTok, celebrates creators who reimagine online learning. With over 610,000 applicants and 1.8 billion views, the programme demonstrates the Summit’s commitment to promoting educational and socially beneficial content.
Future of content
Alia AlHammadi emphasised that the Summit functions as a laboratory for global media trends. “The fourth edition equips creators with tools, insights, and investment opportunities to innovate and leave a lasting mark,” she said.
The Summit unites the world’s leading social media platforms, including Snapchat, X, YouTube, TikTok, Meta, Disney+, and TWITCH, fostering dialogue on the evolution of digital media. Attendees will engage with leading figures in technology, economy, and media to explore how content creation can drive both economic growth and social development.