On 27 August 2025, Dubai announced the launch of a landmark Dubai AI film award, worth $1 million, alongside a Dh50 Million initiative for influencers. Both represent major steps toward reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub in the creator economy.
Dubai will unveil the Dubai AI film award, the world’s largest prize for AI-generated films, at the fourth 1 Billion Followers Summit on January 9–11, 2026. Held across Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future, the Summit will unfold under the theme “Content for Good”.
In tandem, the UAE Government Media Office revealed a Dh50-million (AED 50m) Creators Ventures Programme. The programme is aimed at supporting content creators and startups. It also targets creative entrepreneurs globally.
Details at a Glance
- H.E. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, announced the Dubai AI film award with Google Gemini. The award will reward the best AI-generated short films, and the Summit will showcase ten finalist entries. Organizers will announce submission criteria and film duration in September.
- The Creators Ventures Programme allocates Dh50 million to fund and mentor creative projects with cultural and global social impact. A Content Creators Accelerator Programme, supported by Creators HQ and 500 Global, will offer mentorship, seed funding, and tools to transform creative projects into global offerings.
Strategic Vision and Global Impact
Al Gergawi described the initiatives as a powerful expression of Dubai’s growing leadership in the digital content and creator economy. The AI film award reflects a visionary fusion of creativity and machine learning. According to Alia Al Hammadi, Deputy Chairperson of the Government Media Office, the project “celebrates fully AI-generated films, from ideation and storytelling to scripting and post-production”.
Saeed Mohammed Al Eter, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Chair of the UAE Government Media Office, said the Summit has evolved into a “global platform” uniting creators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders to shape the future of digital content.
Summit Highlights and Creative Support
The 1 Billion Followers Summit is among the world’s largest creator economy gatherings. The 2026 edition is expected to attract over 400 speakers with a collective following exceeding 3 billion people.
The programme will feature:
- The Content Creation Companies Pavilion, a debut showcase for approximately 100 SMEs and startups. It will offer them opportunities to pitch, network, and scale their creative ventures globally.
- Eminent global ambassadors—Simon Squibb, Alexandra Mary Hirschi (“Supercar Blondie”), Khalid Al Ameri, Omar Farooq, and Ammar Kandil—were unveiled as creative icons to support the Summit’s mission.
Leading platforms such as Google, Meta, Instagram, YouTube, X, TikTok, Snapchat, SEE Holding, Emirates, MBC Group, Sony, and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will back the Summit.
Why It Matters
These dual initiatives underline Dubai’s strategic pivot toward the creator economy. By spotlighting innovation via the Dubai AI film award, the city drives global conversations around AI-enhanced storytelling. At the same time, the Dh50-million initiative for influencers empowers a new wave of content entrepreneurs, extending beyond regional influence toward economic and social impact.
Aspiring filmmakers and content creators globally now gain a historic opportunity to engage with AI in filmmaking at scale. Meanwhile, influencers and startups can access mentorship, funding, and platforms to expand their reach.
Forward Look
Applications for the Dubai AI film award will open soon, with full submission guidelines expected in September. Finalists will likely showcase their work in January 2026 at the Summit’s screening events.
The Creators Ventures Programme and accompanying accelerator track will promote innovation, collaboration, and international growth for content-driven projects and businesses. The Summit’s elevated role underscores Dubai’s ambition to lead innovation, culture, and digital creativity.
