The 1 Billion Followers Summit and the National Media Authority have launched a $1 million initiative to give 100 content creators the funding and support to turn their ideas into businesses in the UAE.
Called 100 Dreams, the programme was developed in collaboration with Simon Squibb, content creator and Founder of Dream Group. Each selected creator will receive $10,000, along with help obtaining trade licences and access to mentorship.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at Creators HQ in Dubai. Attendees included Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority, and Saeed Al Eter, Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the Summit.
Applications open on November 20. Applicants will submit a video on the 100 Dreams platform explaining the business they want to build, with projects required to focus on media, content creation or the creator economy. A specialised committee will review submissions, announce the 100 accepted dreams and meet the selected applicants.
The initiative will culminate at the fifth edition of the Summit, taking place from January 8 to 10, 2027. Selected founders will be showcased during a dedicated activation, and the distribution of funding will begin. A six-week business accelerator programme will follow, covering business development, marketing and digital media.
Al Hamed said the initiative turns creativity into a productive economic force, while Al Eter described it as a turning point in how content creation is viewed. Squibb said the programme targets the hardest step for many founders, which is moving from an idea to an actual business.
Organisers say the effort will strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for the content economy.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
