Dubai to Host $1M AI Film Prize at 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026
Dubai will host the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit from January 9 to 11, 2026, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The summit will feature the world’s largest AI-generated film prize, valued at $1 million. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the event reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for content creation and the digital economy.
The summit, running across Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future, will carry the theme “Content for Good.” Preparatory meetings have already brought together CEOs of leading social media platforms, global content creators, and industry experts to shape the agenda. Key topics include AI adoption, intellectual property tools, monetisation strategies, and combating misinformation.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said: “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.”
AI Film Prize and Creative Opportunities
The summit will honor the winning AI-generated short film while showcasing the top ten entries. Films must be entirely created using AI, with judges evaluating storytelling, creativity, and alignment with humanitarian themes. This prize is expected to inspire creators worldwide to explore AI-driven storytelling.
In addition, the summit revealed funding programmes for creators and startups. AED50 million ($13.6 million) has been allocated to the Creators Ventures Programme, providing grants and investments for projects with cultural and social impact. The new Content Creators Accelerator Programme, supported by Creators HQ and 500 Global, will offer mentorship, funding, and tools for emerging creative entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, the launch of a Content Creation Companies Pavilion will give 100 SMEs and startups a platform to showcase innovations, secure deals, and establish a presence in the UAE. The summit also announced five new ambassadors: Simon Squibb, Alexandra Mary Hirschi (“Supercar Blondie”), Khalid Al Ameri, Omar Farooq, and Ammar Kandil, representing diverse stories of creative entrepreneurship and global influence.
Partners, Impact, and Future Vision
Key partners for the 2026 edition include SEE Holding, Emirates, MBC Group, Sony, and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, along with tech giants such as Google, Meta, TikTok, YouTube, X, Snapchat, and Instagram. The event builds on the momentum of the 2025 summit, which attracted over 15,000 creators, 420 speakers, and 125 global CEOs, generating 1.5 billion digital interactions and 542 million social media views.
With its expanded agenda and record funding commitments, the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 aims to accelerate global creative transformation, strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a world-leading hub for the creator economy.
