A Full Guide to the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026

The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 — the world’s largest gathering for content creators, innovators and digital storytellers — is returning to Dubai from January 9 to 11, 2026, uniting thousands of creators, industry leaders and platform pioneers under the theme “Content for Good.” 

Event Dates & Venues

This three-day summit is scheduled for January 9, 10 and 11, 2026, and will be staged across multiple premier locations in Dubai, including the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). These venues serve as hubs for the summit’s keynotes, workshops, exhibitions and networking spaces, offering a dynamic environment for attendees to learn and connect. 

Tickets & Access Options

Attendees can choose from several ticket tiers suited to their goals and experience levels: 

• Expo Ticket: The entry-level pass gives access to all three days of the summit’s main sessions and exhibition zones — ideal for first-time attendees or those looking to explore the creator economy. 

• Creator Pro Ticket: Tailored for aspiring and established creators, this tier includes access to up to two expert-led workshops, exclusive evening networking sessions, and a seat at the closing ceremony. 

• VIP Ticket: Designed for top creators, executives and media innovators, the VIP pass unlocks the most comprehensive summit experience, including additional workshops and masterclasses, access to the private speakers lounge, special off-summit experiences, a dedicated concierge and more. It also includes one complimentary Creator Pro ticket for a guest. 

There are also corporate and group packages available for organisations seeking bespoke experiences with tailored benefits. 

Speaker Lineup & Sessions

The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 will bring together a star‑studded and diverse roster of speakers — from global entertainment icons to influential creators, business leaders and platform executives — offering insights across the creator economy’s most pressing topics. 

Headlining the summit are Will Smith, the award‑winning Hollywood actor; MrBeast, the world’s most‑followed YouTuber; political figure Lara Trump; and comedian Max Amini, each scheduled to appear across keynote stages, panels and live sessions. 

Joining them are influential voices from both the creator and business worlds, including Simon Squibb, serial entrepreneur and investor; Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar; and former footballer‑turned‑entrepreneur Rio Ferdinand. 

Beyond celebrity figures, the summit will also feature leading digital creators and ambassadors who champion storytelling and community building — like Khalid Al Ameri, Omar Farooq, Ammar Kandil of Yes Theory, and Alexandra Hirschi (Supercar Blondie) — highlighting regional and global perspectives shaping today’s media landscape. 

Across more than 580 sessions, including keynotes, panels, workshops and roundtables, speakers will tackle topics such as impact‑driven content, AI and creative technology, monetisation strategies, audience growth, platform trends, brand partnerships, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the digital space. 

The format is designed to be interactive and practical, enabling attendees to learn directly from those who have built global audiences and innovative businesses, with opportunities for Q&A, networking and collaboration across creator, tech and business tracks

Key Highlights & Features

Beyond traditional keynotes and panels, the 2026 summit introduces several standout initiatives aimed at pushing the boundaries of digital content and creative collaboration: 

• $1 Million AI Film Award: A global contest encouraging creators to explore the frontier of artificial intelligence-generated film, with finalists’ works showcased during the summit and a grand prize of $1 million. 

• Creators Ventures Programme: A funding initiative backed with an AED 50 million pool, dedicated to supporting content-driven startups, helping creators scale their ventures globally. 

• SME Pavilion: A dedicated space for startups and medium-sized businesses, empowering creators with tools, products or services, offering high visibility to investors and collaborators.

• Networking & Collaboration Zones: Multiple lounges and open networking spaces are designed to foster meaningful connections between creators, brands, platforms and industry leaders. 

Why Attend?

The 1 Billion Followers Summit is more than a conference, it’s a comprehensive platform where creators, brands and media innovators converge to share ideas, learn new skills, forge partnerships and celebrate the global creator economy’s growth. Whether you’re a seasoned influencer, an entrepreneur looking to expand your digital presence, or a brand exploring content-led strategies, the summit presents invaluable opportunities to connect, create and grow in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

With its multi-venue setup, expansive programme and forward-looking initiatives, the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 is poised to be a landmark event for the global content community in Dubai this January.