1 Billion Followers Summit returns for fourth edition in Dubai

Dubai will host the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit from January 9 to 11, 2026, bringing thousands of digital creators, platform executives and investors to venues across the city.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the summit is expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees and 500 speakers, according to organisers. Participants collectively reach billions of followers across social media platforms.

The summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, will take place at Emirates Towers, DIFC and the Museum of the Future. This year’s program focuses on the social impact of digital content, alongside its commercial and technological dimensions.

A major feature is the expansion of initiatives tied to social responsibility and technology. The 1 Billion Acts of Kindness campaign, launched in partnership with YouTuber MrBeast, has recorded more than 170,000 user-submitted actions and generated significant online engagement in a short period.

Artificial intelligence will also be a central theme. The AI Film Award, supported by Google Gemini, has attracted tens of thousands of entries from more than 100 countries, with a top prize of $1 million. Organisers say the award is intended to highlight emerging uses of AI in storytelling and media production.

The event will also announce funding and award outcomes, including winners of the kindness campaign, the AI Film Award, and the Creators Ventures Accelerator, which offers up to Dh50 million in investment. A new Educator Award, introduced with TikTok, has received hundreds of thousands of applications and widespread online attention.

High-profile creators, entertainers and business leaders are scheduled to attend, alongside senior representatives from major global platforms, positioning the summit as a meeting point for content, technology and digital commerce.