Dubai: The UAE has announced that the next edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit will return in January 2026 with a bigger agenda, new initiatives, and record-breaking prizes to strengthen its position as a global hub for the creator economy.
Set to run from January 9 to 11, 2026, the summit will be staged across multiple landmark venues, including the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future. Organized by the UAE Government Media Office under the theme “Content for Good,” the three-day event will bring together more than 400 international speakers with a combined reach of over 3 billion followers.
$1 Million AI Movie Contest
One of the headline announcements for the 2026 edition is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Movie Contest, offering a $1 million prize—the largest of its kind in the world. The competition is designed to showcase how AI can transform storytelling, film, and digital content creation, while giving creators a chance to push the boundaries of innovation.
Creators Ventures Funding
The summit will also introduce a Creators Ventures Programme with a funding pool of AED 50 million, dedicated to supporting content creators and creative startups. The initiative will provide financial backing, mentorship, and business opportunities to help emerging creators scale globally.
New Pavilion for Creator Companies
For the first time, the event will feature a Content Creation Companies Pavilion, bringing together nearly 100 startups and SMEs founded by creators. The pavilion aims to spotlight entrepreneurial talent in the media and content sectors, offering investors and industry leaders direct access to emerging businesses.
Global Platform for Creators
Through keynote addresses, workshops, competitions, and networking opportunities, the summit will serve as a platform for content creators, media entrepreneurs, and technology innovators to collaborate and exchange ideas.
Officials highlighted that the expanded programme reflects Dubai’s ambition to be a global leader in the digital economy and creative industries, while reinforcing the emirate’s role as a bridge between innovation, technology, and storytelling.