The Museum of the Future in Dubai. ARCHIVE

Dubai has unveiled two landmark initiatives set to reshape the future of content creation: a $1 million global award for AI-generated films and a Dh50 million accelerator programme for influencers. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, announced the initiatives on Wednesday (August 27), during preparations for the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, where more than 400 global speakers will gather under the theme “Content for Good”. The AI film award, launched in collaboration with Google Gemini, will be the first and largest of its kind, recognising fully AI-generated films that demonstrate creativity, realism, and humanitarian values. “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. “We are excited to partner with Google Gemini, who share our vision for exploring the future of content creation.” Judging criteria will include storytelling, execution, and integration of AI. The top 10 films will be screened at the 2026 summit, with full details to be announced in September. Alongside the award, the UAE launched the Dh50 million Creators Ventures Programme, designed to fund projects by content creators, support joint ventures, and foster global growth. A dedicated Influencers Accelerator Programme will provide funding, mentorship, and investor access to help creators scale internationally. For the first time, the summit will also host a Content Creation Companies Pavilion, giving 100 SMEs and startups the chance to pitch, network, and showcase projects to global partners. Al Gergawi said the event, hosted across Jumeirah Emirates Towers, DIFC, and the Museum of the Future, has grown into “a global platform for shaping the future, supporting creatives, and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global communications partner.” The summit will run from January 9 to 11, 2026, with an expected reach of over 3 billion people worldwide. ICA/Expat Media
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