UAE summit backs 100 content creators with $10,000 grants and training

Overview of the 100 Dreams initiative

The 1 Billion Followers Summit in the UAE has unveiled a new programme called ‘100 Dreams’ that will give 100 aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs a $10,000 grant each, equivalent to about Dh36,700, together with six weeks of free business training and mentorship. The announcement was made during the fifth edition of the summit, which is organised by the UAE Government Media Office under the theme ‘Content for Good’. The summit itself is scheduled for 8 to 10 January 2027. The initiative is being launched in collaboration with British entrepreneur and content creator Simon Squibb and receives support from the National Media Authority.

Selection criteria and support package

Applicants will be judged on purpose, energy, authenticity and capability, although specific financial and application requirements will also apply. Simon Squibb, who has invested in 87 companies, said he can usually spot potential quickly. Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Deputy CEO of the summit, added that the panel will consider each applicant’s needs and the uniqueness of their proposed idea. Those interested can currently join a waiting list via the initiative’s website, with formal submissions expected to open by November 20.

Selected participants will receive the $10,000 grant as an initial financial boost. The six‑week training programme will cover social media strategy, business fundamentals, branding, sales, sponsorship acquisition and how to build a commercially viable venture. Squibb, who commands an online following of 27 million, said the course will draw on his experience in building businesses, understanding algorithms and growing digital audiences. Participants will also gain access to the UAE’s broader business ecosystem, including possible residency options and further support.

UAE’s role and long‑term vision

Alia Al Hammadi told Khaleej Times in Dubai that the initiative reflects a long‑standing summit discussion that content creators can become the entrepreneurs of the future. She believes some of the next major media companies could emerge from ideas developed by creators, describing a potential future unicorn as one of the hundred dreams. She stressed that the UAE offers the right infrastructure, talent and ecosystem for creators to flourish and expressed her personal dream of seeing at least one of the hundred projects reach unicorn status within ten years.

Maitha Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Media Strategy and Policy at the National Media Authority, said the UAE’s access to capital, digital infrastructure, technology and talent creates fertile ground for ideas to become lasting businesses. She highlighted that what sets the programme apart is the accompanying accelerator run with Simon Squibb, who will bring his network of business, marketing and technology experts to support the selected companies. The National Media Authority will focus on ensuring partnerships, clear business processes and intellectual‑property protection are in place. She added that the true impact will be measured over years, looking at jobs created, families supported and brands that emerge.

Personal perspective from Simon Squibb

Simon Squibb shared that the initiative holds personal meaning for him. He started his first business at age 15 and recalled not knowing what he did not know, having to figure things out on his own. Through ‘100 Dreams’ he hopes to provide the knowledge, capital, support and community he wished he had received at that age. His message to aspiring creators is simple: nobody is entirely self‑made and asking for help should never be seen as a weakness. He believes the help offered could be the first step for the 100 selected creators toward building a business of their own, moving beyond a successful social media account.