Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 1 Billion Followers Summit has officially announced its fourth edition, set to take place from January 9 to 11, 2026, across key venues in Dubai, including Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and the Museum of the Future. This year’s summit will be held under the theme “Purposeful Content.”
Organized by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit is recognized as the world’s largest gathering in the content creation and digital media economy. The 2026 edition introduces a series of new global initiatives, including the launch of the largest AI-generated film award, valued at USD 1 million, and will welcome influential speakers followed by over 3 billion people worldwide.
A Strategic Step Forward for the UAE’s Content Economy
The preparatory meetings for the summit concluded recently, featuring five days of interactive discussions and strategic planning, aimed at reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for meaningful content creation and the digital economy.
In a statement, His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted the ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid:
“For over three decades, His Highness has championed the media and content sector as part of his broader vision for development and leadership. The UAE today is not just keeping pace with the content economy—it is defining its direction.”
He added that the launch of the world’s largest AI-generated film award in partnership with Google Gemini reinforces the country’s strategic role in shaping the future of this fast-growing sector.
$1 Million AI Film Award to Recognize Creative Excellence
Among the summit’s key highlights is the announcement of a global award for AI-generated short films, with a prize value of USD 1 million. The initiative, in collaboration with Google, seeks to promote the production of meaningful and creative content using artificial intelligence tools.
The award criteria require that all submitted films be entirely generated using AI technologies, focusing on storytelling, creativity, execution, and the delivery of a powerful human message. The top 10 shortlisted films will be screened during the summit, and the winner will be honored at the event. Further competition details are expected to be revealed in September 2025.
Expanding the Future of the Content Industry
Preparatory sessions featured participation from CEOs of major social media platforms, digital media companies, influencers, content creators, and entrepreneurs, who collectively explored:
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The evolving landscape of the influencer economy
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Intellectual property tools in the digital age
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Storytelling techniques for impactful content
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AI integration in content production
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Revenue models and monetization
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Combating misinformation and disinformation
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Cross-border collaboration in the creative industry
These discussions aimed to develop innovative frameworks that support the expansion of the content economy, while encouraging partnerships between creators, startups, and major tech companies.
UAE as a Global Incubator for Content Creation
The summit will also launch the second edition of the “Investing in Content Creation” program, led by the Influencer HQ in collaboration with 500 Global. The initiative aims to:
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Attract global talent
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Support startups in relocating to the UAE
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Provide funding and incubation for high-potential projects
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Position the UAE as a global capital for content production
In addition, the summit announced the launch of the “Influencer Accelerator Program”, with a dedicated fund of AED 50 million. The program will offer financial and mentorship support for individuals and companies with promising content ventures, enabling them to scale globally.
Content Companies Pavilion: A First in Summit History
For the first time since its inception, the summit will feature a dedicated pavilion for content industry companies, offering an interactive platform for over 100 startups and SMEs founded or led by creators. The pavilion will include 10 exhibition platforms and will allow participants to present their work, pitch ideas, and connect with potential investors and collaborators.
This initiative aims to inspire emerging creators, highlight success stories, and provide a launchpad for startups seeking to grow their presence within the UAE and the global digital economy.
Five Global Ambassadors Appointed for 2026 Edition
The summit revealed the names of five official ambassadors for its fourth edition:
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Simon Squibb – British entrepreneur and founder of HelpBnk, with over 15 million followers.
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Alexandra Mary Hirschi (Supercar Blondie) – Australian content creator based in the UAE with a global fanbase exceeding 100 million.
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Khalid Al Ameri – Prominent Emirati influencer known for content on family and social topics, with 22+ million followers.
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Omar Farooq – Bahraini creator of the “Omar Tries” series, with over 1.2 billion YouTube views and 17 million followers.
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Ammar Kandil – Egyptian co-founder of “Yes Theory,” inspiring millions globally through human-centric adventure content.
Strategic Partners and Global Tech Giants on Board
The summit has confirmed a number of key strategic partners, including:
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C Holding (developer of The Sustainable City)
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Emirates Airlines (official airline partner)
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MBC Group
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Sony
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Dubai Digital Chamber
Institutional partners also include the Museum of the Future, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, DIFC, Dinner in the Sky, and Talent Plus.
Additionally, leading global platforms such as Google, Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Snapchat will take part in the summit.
Building on the Success of Previous Editions
The 2025 edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit drew over 15,000 attendees, featured 420+ speakers, and was supported by more than 125 CEOs and global experts. The event generated more than 1.5 billion digital interactions and 542 million social media views, with the hashtag #1BillionSummit trending worldwide.
With expectations high, the 2026 edition promises to take the summit to new heights—bridging talent, innovation, and global collaboration to advance the content economy in the region and beyond.
