The UAE has launched the AED 5 million ($1.36 million) Social Content Fund as artificial intelligence reshapes the digital media landscape — with 86 percent of creators now using generative AI tools and content volume up 77 percent across the region.
The Social Content Fund Is Now Open
The Social Content Fund was launched by Creators HQ in partnership with Alfan at a gathering of more than 1,000 content creators, media professionals, and industry experts in Dubai.
The fund will support 50 content creators in its first cohort through funding, training programmes, advanced filming equipment, state-of-the-art studios, and additional resources. It targets creators producing educational, edutainment, human-interest, animation, and health and nutrition content that is family-friendly and socially empowering.
Applications are open until May 10, 2026. Winners will be announced at the fifth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in 2027.
What the UAE Government Media Office Said
Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, said the launch reflects the UAE's commitment to building a comprehensive content economy ecosystem — advancing meaningful content that instils family values and fosters positive social impact.
She added that the fund underscores confidence in Arab creativity and excellence, empowering creators to produce content that resonates with younger generations.
Mohamad Fattal, Founder and CEO of Alfan, described the fund as a significant shift that embodies Alfan's leading role in discovering talent capable of shaping the future of content.
AI Is Already Reshaping the Creator Landscape
The Creators Gathering at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai placed a strong focus on artificial intelligence and its growing role in content creation. Sessions explored how AI can enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
Khadija Hussain, Executive Director of Government Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, noted that AI tools have already increased content volume by 77 percent, with approximately 86 percent of creators now using generative AI tools. She described new media as the primary vehicle for shaping public awareness, while affirming that conventional media remains significant.
Sessions also addressed creator burnout, algorithm pressures, the need for stronger professional support systems, and strategies for maintaining authenticity during crises.
Risha.ai: The First Arabic AI Platform for Content Creators
One of the most significant announcements at the gathering was the unveiling of Risha.ai — described as the first integrated Arabic artificial intelligence platform designed specifically for content creators across the Middle East and North Africa.
Developed by Ai Media Lab, part of UAE-based Visioneers, the platform supports Arabic language diacritics, dialects, and cultural nuances. It offers an integrated suite of tools covering scriptwriting, multimedia generation, dubbing, and social media management.
Khalid Abusido, CEO of Ai Media Lab, said the platform aims to empower Arab creators to express their creativity using intelligent tools that understand their language and culture — enabling them to produce world-class content in record time. He added that the future of media in the region will be driven by Arabic AI.
AlHammadi described Risha.ai as a key step in strengthening Arabic digital content, noting that it provides native Arabic tools that help shift the focus from technology consumption to AI innovation.
UAE's Broader Creator Economy Strategy
The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for content creation, offering relocation assistance and Golden Visa support to attract international talent.
Participants in the Social Content Fund will also benefit from specialised workshops, personal brand marketing opportunities, financial growth support, and access to the Alfan.io platform.
The combination of funding, infrastructure, and advanced technology reflects the UAE's integrated strategy to scale its creator economy over the long term.
