UAE launches $1 million fund for content creators

The UAE has launched a $1 million initiative to help 100 content creators turn their ideas into businesses, with each selected applicant set to receive $10,000 in funding. The 100 Dreams initiative was announced on 15 October, by the 1 Billion Followers Summit and the National Media Authority, in collaboration with entrepreneur and content creator Simon Squibb, according to the Emirates News Agency.

Alongside funding, selected participants will receive mentorship, business guidance and help obtaining trade licences. The programme aims to help creators establish companies in the UAE and expand into international markets.

Who can apply?

The initiative is aimed at people with ideas for businesses in digital media, content creation and the wider creator economy.

Applications are scheduled to open on 20 November. Applicants will submit a video explaining their idea, the business they want to build and the ambition behind it.

A specialised committee will review submissions before selecting 100 projects. The organisers have not specified an application deadline in the supplied announcement.

Funding and business support

The selected creators will be featured during the fifth 1 Billion Followers Summit, scheduled for 8 to 10 January 2027. Funding distribution is due to begin during the event.

After the summit, participants will take part in a six-week business accelerator programme covering areas including business development, marketing and digital media.

The 100 Dreams initiative aims to help establish 100 companies in the UAE’s content and digital media sector. The programme will also connect participants with organisations that can assist with company formation, trade licences and mentorship.

UAE aims to turn content creation into a business sector

Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority, said: “At the heart of the National Media Authority’s vision for developing the media sector is turning creativity into a productive economic force, empowering promising concepts to move beyond the ideation stage and establish enterprises capable of growth, sustainability and global competitiveness, further reinforcing the UAE’s standing as a global hub for the content economy.”