DUBAI: The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s largest gathering of content creators, is set kick off in Dubai today, bringing together global influencers, tech innovators, and industry leaders under the theme “Content for Good.”
Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the three-day event is being hosted across iconic venues such as the Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future from 11 to 13 January 2025.
Over 15,000 attendees are expected to engage in more than 300 sessions, featuring prominent figures like automotive influencer Supercar Blondie and Maye Musk, mother of billionaire Elon Musk. This third edition of the summit also marks the return of the coveted One Billion Award, offering an unprecedented $1 million prize to the creator of the most impactful content.
A star-studded lineup
The summit boasts an impressive roster of speakers, including Maye Musk, Zach King, and Jay Shetty, alongside social media sensations like Supercar Blondie. Maye Musk, celebrated for her career as a model and entrepreneur, will share her insights on raising successful children and her experiences as a business leader. “I’ll be talking about entrepreneurs, including me and my three children,” Musk remarked, adding a personal touch to the event’s mission of empowering creators.
Supercar Blondie, known for her viral luxury car reviews, will bring her expertise on leveraging social media for global brand building. Other high-profile participants include motivational speaker Jay Shetty and viral video creator Zach King, who will reveal strategies for staying ahead in the evolving digital landscape.
For the first time, representatives from major platforms like TikTok, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Meta, and LinkedIn will discuss the future of content creation, focusing on combating misinformation, utilising AI tools, and building meaningful digital communities.
$1M One Billion Award
A key highlight of the summit is the One Billion Award, the world’s largest prize for content creators. This initiative aims to recognise creators whose work drives positive societal change. The competition received over 16,000 applications from 190 countries, with 3.3 million votes cast online to shortlist the top five finalists.
These finalists will compete for the $1 million prize, with the winner set to be announced on 13 January. The award underscores the summit’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation, inspiring creators to produce meaningful content that uplifts communities.
The future of content
In addition to keynote addresses and panels, the summit includes workshops and masterclasses led by global experts. Zach King’s keynote will explore storytelling techniques for platforms like TikTok and YouTube, while AI-focused sessions by Paul Bakaus and Marina Mogilko will offer insights into enhancing productivity and creativity using cutting-edge tools.
Local influencers like Anas Bukhash and Abdulrahman Abu Malih will provide a regional perspective, discussing their journeys and the impact of Arabic content on global audiences. Topics such as combating fake news and exploring new monetisation strategies will also be addressed, ensuring a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in today’s content economy.
UAE: A global hub for creators
The UAE has positioned itself as a leading hub for the content industry, backed by initiatives like the Dh150 million content investment fund and the upcoming launch of Creators HQ. Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, highlighted the nation’s vision to create a sustainable ecosystem for digital creators, reflecting its strategic importance in the $250 billion global content industry.
Vice Chairperson Alia AlHammadi emphasised the UAE’s unique multicultural environment as a key factor in inspiring diverse and innovative storytelling. “Creators need stories, and stories come from the ecosystem and environment they live in,” she noted.
As the summit unfolds, it promises to set new benchmarks for the content creation industry, spotlighting the power of digital media to drive meaningful change worldwide.