Dubai has announced two landmark initiatives to advance global creativity and cement its position as a leader in digital innovation: a $1 million Global AI Film Award and a Dh50 million Creators Ventures Programme. Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Al Gergawi made both announcements during preparatory meetings for the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 at Creator HQ in Dubai.
World's First $1 Million AI Film Award
The Dubai AI Film Award — the world's first and largest prize dedicated to fully AI-generated films — will be run in collaboration with Google Gemini. The competition rewards short films created entirely through artificial intelligence, from ideation and scripting through to editing and post-production.
Judges will assess entries on creativity, storytelling, execution, and alignment with humanitarian themes. The top 10 films will premiere during the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2026, with full participation guidelines set to be revealed in September 2025.
"This award is a first step in showcasing what can be achieved when creativity meets AI," said Alia Al Hammadi, Deputy Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office.
Dh50 Million Creators Ventures Programme
Dubai also launched the Dh50 million Creators Ventures Programme to support influencers and creative entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and global exposure. The programme will fund joint ventures, incubate talent, and collaborate with major platforms including TikTok and Snapchat.
A hands-on Content Creators Accelerator track will allow individual creators to pitch projects directly to global investors. A Content Creation Companies Pavilion will give 100 small and medium businesses the opportunity to showcase ideas and secure platform partnerships.
1 Billion Followers Summit 2026
The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, scheduled for January 9–11 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future, will feature more than 400 speakers under the theme "Content for Good". The event is expected to reach over three billion people worldwide, further reinforcing Dubai's role as a global hub for content creation and technological innovation.
