Will Smith and MrBeast to Attend 1 Billion Followers Summit

Global superstar Will Smith and YouTube megacreator MrBeast are set to headline the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, marking one of the most high-profile editions of the world’s largest creator economy gathering to date.

The three-day event will run from January 9 to 11, 2026, bringing together leading digital creators, celebrities and industry experts from around the world under the theme “Content for Good.”

The summit will take place across three landmark venues — Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Museum of the Future — and is expected to attract more than 15,000 content creators and over 500 speakers. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the event aims to highlight the growing influence of digital storytelling, innovation and social impact within the global creator economy.

Other confirmed speakers include political figure Lara Trump, comedian Max Amini, investor Simon Squibb, Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar, and former footballer Rio Ferdinand — all joining a lineup of over 500 speakers and 580 sessions that will explore the future of digital media and content creation.

Sessions will span a wide range of topics covering the creator economy, technology, content strategy, AI integration and community building, with participation from major platforms including YouTube, X, Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Disney+ and Twitch. 

A highlight of this year’s event is the culmination of the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness campaign, a global social impact initiative launched in collaboration with MrBeast that has inspired hundreds of thousands of humanitarian videos and tens of millions of views. 

Awards, Accelerator and AI Film Competition
In addition to keynotes and panels, the summit will host several flagship programmes, including:

• The AI Film Award, in partnership with Google Gemini, is offering a $1 million grand prize for AI-generated films. 

• The Creators Ventures Accelerator, supported by global partners, provides up to AED 50 million in funding for standout creator-led ventures. 

• The inaugural Educator Award, launched with TikTok to celebrate creators redefining online learning. 

Shaping the Future of Content
Organisers say this edition will be the biggest yet, reflecting rapid growth in the creator economy, which supports millions of full-time professionals worldwide. Through immersive sessions, networking opportunities and strategic partnerships, the summit is designed to empower creators with the tools and insights needed to drive meaningful impact across industries and communities.