In Dubai, the 1 Billion Followers Summit reveals a million-dollar prize for an AI film and announces fresh endeavors.

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, is set to return for its second edition from 9 to 11 January 2026. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the summit promises expanded sessions compared to its 2025 edition.

Last year, the summit generated 1.5 billion digital interactions, positioning the UAE as a global hub for purposeful digital creation. This year, the summit aims to build on this success, with a focus on fostering international partnerships, empowering creators to innovate and collaborate worldwide, and combating misinformation.

A dedicated pavilion for content creation companies is being launched as part of the summit. This will provide a platform for these companies to showcase their work and network with industry leaders.

In a significant move, a $1 million AI film competition is launched in collaboration with Google Gemini. The competition will showcase short films fully generated through artificial intelligence, with creativity, realism, and humanitarian messaging as key criteria. The aim is to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI in storytelling.

The theme of the summit remains "Content for Good," reflecting the UAE's commitment to using digital platforms for positive change. Prominent creators have been appointed as summit ambassadors, lending their support to this cause.

Preparatory meetings for the event brought together CEOs of social media platforms, industry experts, and leading creators. Discussions focused on strategies for meaningful storytelling, combating misinformation, and embracing emerging technologies.

The summit's venues include Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. The new program, the AED50 million Creators Ventures Programme, is launched to fund innovative projects with global cultural impact.

The 2026 summit is expected to attract more than 15,000 creators, surpassing the attendance of its 2025 edition. The summit continues to be a platform for creators to learn, collaborate, and network, with the goal of creating content that inspires, informs, and makes a positive impact on the world.

In Dubai, the 1 Billion Followers Summit reveals a million-dollar prize for an AI film and announces fresh endeavors.