The fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest gathering for the content creation economy, has successfully concluded in Dubai, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for digital media. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the three-day event drew a record-breaking 30,000 attendees, including over 15,000 content creators and influencers from around the world.
Held under the theme “Content for Good,” the summit took place from January 9 to 11 across Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. Building on its significant success, the fifth edition has already been scheduled for January 8 to 10, 2027.
A Global Stage for Content for Good
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the summit has become a pivotal platform for shaping the future of the creator economy. The agenda featured over 580 sessions, including keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops delivered by more than 500 global speakers with a combined following of over 3.5 billion.
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of UAE Cabinet Affairs, highlighted the event’s impact, stating, “The summit achieved exceptional leaps in its fourth edition, positioning the UAE as a global leader in the content economy with a special focus on meaningful content that drives positive societal change.”
He added, “The summit’s success is reflected in drawing more than 30,000 attendees with over 15,000 content creators and influencers, underscoring the event’s growing international influence.”
Empowering Creators with AI and Major Initiatives
A central focus of this year’s summit was the integration of artificial intelligence to empower creators. A standout initiative was the launch of the AI Film Award in partnership with Google Gemini, which offered a grand prize of $1 million. Filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi was announced as the winner for his film “Lily.”
Other major initiatives included the Educator Award, launched with TikTok, which generated 1.8 billion views across 320,000 videos, and the “1 Billion Acts of Kindness” campaign in collaboration with creator MrBeast, which inspired over 170,000 community initiatives globally. Strategic partnerships were also announced with YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, X, and Meta to further promote impactful digital content.
Tech Giants Foster MENA’s Creator Ecosystem
Global technology platforms played a significant role in the summit, hosting dedicated spaces and workshops to equip creators with essential skills. TikTok hosted 15 expert-led conversations at its TikTok House on topics ranging from monetisation strategies to community safety.
Similarly, X (formerly Twitter) and Twitch held a series of sessions at their respective ‘X Cafe’ and ‘Twitch House’ venues. The sessions provided creators with actionable strategies for brand building, content amplification, and monetisation, featuring masterclasses on everything from live streaming and brand partnerships to leveraging AI tools for creative content. These collaborations underscore the growing importance of the MENA region in the global creator landscape.
About 1 Billion Followers Summit
Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the 1 Billion Followers Summit is the world’s largest event dedicated to shaping the content creator economy. It brings together top global social media influencers, content creators, and industry experts to explore how new media can drive positive societal change and fuel sustainable economic growth. The summit is a key component of the UAE’s strategic vision to foster a vibrant and globally competitive content creator community.
Source: Zawya
