UAE summit launches $1 million fund for 100 content creators
Each participant receives $10,000 and six weeks of business training under 100 Dreams initiative.
The 1 Billion Followers Summit has announced a $1 million funding programme for 100 aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs, offering each participant $10,000 alongside six weeks of business training and mentorship. The 100 Dreams initiative was announced as part of the fifth edition of the summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, and will run during the January 8 to 10, 2027 event under the theme Content for Good.
Programme structure and support#
The initiative provides selected participants with $10,000, approximately Dh36,700, in funding. Each recipient will also receive six weeks of free business training and mentorship. The programme is delivered in collaboration with British entrepreneur Simon Squibb, who has built an online following of 27 million, and is supported by the National Media Authority.
Selection and application process#
The initiative targets aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs seeking to turn ideas into sustainable businesses. The programme forms part of the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2027, which takes place from January 8 to 10, 2027. Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Deputy CEO of the summit, stated that the initiative represents the next step in a conversation that has been taking place at the summit for several years.
Training and business development#
The six-week training programme will draw on Squibb's experience in building businesses and understanding social media platforms. Al Hammadi said the initiative aims to support content creators in developing sustainable income streams. The programme is designed to help participants establish businesses in the media industry.
Summit context and timeline#
The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2027 is organised by the UAE Government Media Office. The fifth edition runs from January 8 to 10, 2027, under the theme Content for Good. The 100 Dreams initiative was announced in October 2026 ahead of the January event. The summit has previously featured discussions on content creators as entrepreneurs.
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- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej Times$1 million funding programme for 100 content creators, $10,000 per participant, six weeks training, January 8-10 2027 dates, collaboration with Simon Squibb, National Media Authority support
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