Dubai is taking content creation to the next level with two major announcements ahead of the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, revealed a $1 million AI Film Award,  the world’s first and largest prize for films made entirely using artificial intelligence. The award, launched in partnership with Google Gemini, will celebrate short films created fully by AI, from scripting to post-production. The winning entries will be judged on creativity, realism, storytelling, and humanitarian messaging, with the top 10 films showcased at the summit in January 2026.

“This award is a first step in showcasing what can be achieved when creativity meets AI,” said Alia Al Hammadi, Deputy Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office. Full competition details, including film length and submission guidelines, will be announced in September.

Dh50 million support for creators

Alongside the award, Al Gergawi unveiled a Dh50 million Creators Ventures Programme to back new projects, mentor talent, and support collaborations with global platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat. The initiative will incubate individual creators and startups, giving them funding, mentorship, and access to investors through the Content Creators Accelerator Programme.

For the first time, the summit will also feature a Content Creation Companies Pavilion, where 100 SMEs and startups will be able to showcase their work, secure deals, and network.

1 Billion Followers Summit 2026

Now in its fourth edition, the summit will run from January 9 to 11, 2026, across Jumeirah Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future, under the theme “Content for Good.” It will feature more than 400 speakers and is expected to reach over three billion people worldwide.

AI + Film Focus

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