The 1 Billion Followers Summit and the UAE’s National Media Authority have launched a $1 million initiative to help 100 content creators establish businesses in the UAE.
Developed in collaboration with content creator and Dream Group founder Simon Squibb, the 100 Dreams initiative will provide each selected creator with $10,000, alongside mentorship, guidance and assistance with obtaining trade licences.
The initiative targets people with business ideas related to digital media, content creation and the creator economy. It aims to help participants turn those ideas into businesses that can grow from the UAE into international markets.
Announced at Creators HQ in Dubai on 15 October, the programme combines direct funding with company setup support and a six-week business accelerator.
Applications for the 100 Dreams initiative will open on 20 November. Applicants will be asked to submit a video through the initiative’s platform, explaining the business they want to build and the idea behind it.
A specialised committee will review submissions and select 100 projects. Meetings with the selected applicants will then help identify the support each business needs.
The projects will be showcased during the fifth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, taking place from 8 to 10 January 2027. A dedicated activation across the three days will introduce the selected founders and their ideas, with funding distribution beginning during the event.
Following the summit, participants will join a six-week accelerator covering business development, marketing, digital media and other areas needed to develop their companies.
Specialised entities and institutions in the UAE will also support company formation and trade licensing, alongside mentorship and guidance.
The initiative forms part of the organisers’ efforts to develop content creation as an entrepreneurial sector, with support extending beyond content production to the commercial foundations of running a business.
Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Deputy CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, said: “In the UAE, we believe that many promising ideas begin with a simple dream, but they need the right environment, funding, mentorship and expertise to become viable and scalable businesses. This is what the 100 Dreams initiative seeks to achieve by bringing together funding, support, guidance and assistance with company setup, giving 100 content creators a real opportunity to take their first steps towards building their businesses in the content industry.”
Squibb said the programme is intended to address the gap between having an idea and being able to act on it.
“Many people have great ideas and dreams of building their own businesses, but have no idea where to start, or lack the financial resources and expertise needed to take the first step. That is why the 100 Dreams initiative was launched: to give these individuals a real opportunity to get started,” he said.
The programme aims to establish 100 companies in the UAE’s digital media and content industry, combining funding, training and practical support to help creators build income-generating ventures.