Dubai’s content creation summit could shape the future, experts say

Thousands of influencers set to take part in 1 Billion Followers Summit

Dubai's Museum of the Future is one of the host venues for the 1 Billion Followers Summit. Photo: Government of Dubai Media Office

The 1 Billion Followers Summit taking place in Dubai has the potential to shape the future of the digital content industry, according to a senior figure from the government's media office.

The event, which runs from Saturday, January 11, to Monday, January 13, is expected to welcome more than 15,000 delegates − including 5,000 content creators helping to influence a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Among the key speakers are Zach King, a US magician with 175 million online followers, popular gaming personality AboFlah, who has 63 million followers, author and podcaster Jay Shetty, with more than 57 million followers, and polarising US political pundit Tucker Carlson, who has gained more than 26 million followers across platforms.

Organisers predicted this year's summit − the third time it has been held − will be the biggest yet, a signal of the sector's continued growth.

“The summit's growing momentum − evident in its increasing followers, participants, diverse tracks, workshops, activities, and partners − highlights significant global interest from media outlets, online platforms and digital content companies,” said Alia Al Hammadi, vice chairwoman of UAE Government Media Office and chief executive of the 1 Billion Followers Summit.

“Partnerships with leading global firms and platforms demonstrate confidence in the Summit's ability to shape the future of the digital content industry.

Controversial political pundit Tucker Carlson is among the big names taking part in the event. AP

“By hosting top influencers and content creators across various fields and providing ideal networking and collaboration opportunities, the summit empowers experts and professionals to excel and share their monetisation expertise.”

Growing in numbers

At a curtain-raiser for the event on Tuesday, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Al Gergawi said the UAE is primed to be a “global capital for content creators”.

“Over the past three years, this summit has transformed into the largest global event for content creation, hosted by the UAE,” said Mr Al Gergawi.

“Our nation has become a hub for creators, talents, and investors, and through this summit, the UAE is establishing itself as the global capital for content creators.

“Why content creation? The industry is currently valued at approximately $250 billion, with growth rates significantly outpacing the natural economic growth – nearly threefold.”

The 1 Billion Followers Summit will take place across three venues – Emirates Towers, the Museum of the Future and Dubai International Financial Centre.

Empathy and compassion

The UAE last year established the 1 Billion Award, a $1 million prize celebrating content creators who have made a positive impact on societies and champion empathy and compassion.

An initial shortlist of 10 candidates was announced last month, which was whittled down to a final five following a public vote. The winner will be crowned on the summit's final day on January 13. More than 16,000 submissions from 190 countries were received for the award.

The final five were decided after a total of 3.3 million votes were received from around the world, state news agency Wam reported.

Among them is Mahmoud Zuaiter, a content creator from Gaza, who creates uplifting content despite the hardships faced by Palestinians “to inspire and spread hope”.

Nasser Al Oqail, from Saudi Arabia, has also made the cut. The founder of the Dupamicaffeine Sciences channel simplifies complex books and concepts for his nine million-plus followers, Wam reported.

Also in contention is Creators For Lebanon − a group “uniting to help displaced families, providing aid, rebuilding communities and inspiring solidarity in times of crisis”.

Joining them is Simon Squibb, an “inspirational speaker” from the UK who shares personal experiences with more than nine million followers.

Completing the final five is Australian Samuel Weidenhofer, who is “known for spreading positivity and kindness through heartwarming videos featuring acts of kindness towards strangers, from surprising kids to gifting strangers”.