Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, announced on Wednesday a groundbreaking $1 million prize for films created using artificial intelligence, marking it as the largest and first award of its kind.
He also introduced a Dh50-million Influencers Accelerator Programme aimed at aiding creators and boosting their international expansion, during the preparatory meetings for the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 at Creator HQ in Dubai.
Al Gergawi revealed that the summit’s fourth edition will feature over 400 speakers and will take place from January 9-11, 2026, expected to engage more than three billion individuals globally.
Additional announcements included a new iteration of the UAE’s investment programme for content creators, intended to finance and guide emerging talent, alongside collaborations with prominent platforms like TikTok and Snapchat.
Al Gergawi emphasized that the event, organized by the UAE Government Media Office, has evolved from a regional event into “a global platform for shaping the future, supporting creatives, and enhancing the UAE’s role as a leading communications partner globally.”
