By Staff Reporter
Dubai has set the stage for a landmark moment in the creator economy with the 1 Billion Followers Summit announcing the world’s largest prize for AI-generated films, valued at $1 million, during its preparatory meetings for the event’s fourth edition.
Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit will take place from 9 to 11 January 2026 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Venues include Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future.
Held under the theme “Content for Good,” the summit aims to position the UAE as a global hub for purposeful digital creation. Preparatory meetings brought together CEOs of social media platforms, industry experts, and leading creators to discuss strategies for meaningful storytelling, combating misinformation, and embracing emerging technologies.
The $1 million AI film competition, launched in collaboration with Google Gemini, will spotlight short films fully generated through artificial intelligence, with creativity, realism, and humanitarian messaging as key criteria. The top entries will be showcased during the summit.
Other announcements include the AED50 million Creators Ventures Programme to fund innovative projects with global cultural impact, the launch of a dedicated pavilion for content creation companies, and the appointment of prominent creators as summit ambassadors.
Building on the success of its 2025 edition, which drew more than 15,000 creators and generated 1.5 billion digital interactions, the upcoming summit promises expanded sessions, international partnerships, and a stronger focus on empowering creators to innovate and collaborate worldwide.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
