The United Arab Emirates has launched a new initiative called “100 Dreams” to support aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide looking to transform their media and content creation ideas into sustainable businesses. The $1 million program, announced ahead of the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2027, aims to foster the growth of creator-led businesses, production companies, digital media platforms, and innovative ventures within the media industry.
The program will select 100 participants, each receiving $10,000 in funding alongside comprehensive business support. This includes assistance with company licensing in the UAE, support for the Golden Visa process subject to government approval, and an invitation to attend the 1 Billion Followers Summit scheduled to take place in Dubai from January 8 to 10, 2027. Additionally, participants will engage in a six-week “kickstart” program offering intensive training and mentorship. The program is developed in collaboration with British entrepreneur and content creator Simon Squibb and supported by the National Media Authority, with applications opening on November 20 through the Joindream website.
Organized by the UAE Government Media Office under the theme “Content for Good,” the summit and the “100 Dreams” initiative are part of a broader effort to strengthen the UAE’s creator economy. Officials emphasize that the program seeks not only to assist individual content creators but also to build globally competitive media businesses from within the country.
Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi, executive director of media regulation at the National Media Authority, highlighted the UAE’s ambition to be more than just a hub for creators. She stated that the goal is to build the next generation of media companies originating from the UAE, with long-term economic impact. The authority will focus on establishing supportive business environments, including partnerships, streamlined business processes, and intellectual property protections, to ensure the success of participating ventures.
Simon Squibb underscored the significance of practical support for creators looking to turn their passions into viable commercial enterprises. He emphasized that the six-week program would deliver in-depth training covering social media strategies, business fundamentals, branding, sales, sponsorship acquisition, and monetization techniques tailored for the digital content landscape.
Alia Al Hammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Deputy CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, described the initiative as a progression of conversations around creators as future entrepreneurs. She expressed optimism that some of the businesses launched through the program could evolve into leading media companies or even “unicorns”—startups valued at over $1 billion. Al Hammadi identified the UAE as providing an ideal ecosystem, citing the country’s infrastructure, talent pool, and supportive environment as key advantages for creators aiming to build sustainable income and scale their businesses.
Applicants aged 18 and older from around the world can propose ideas within areas such as content creation, entertainment, digital media, video and film production, media technology, and other innovative business models. While participants are not required to relocate permanently to Dubai, they must be able to establish companies within the UAE and commit to traveling to Dubai to attend the summit and participate fully in the program.
The “100 Dreams” initiative reflects the UAE’s growing focus on nurturing the creator economy and media entrepreneurship, combining financial support with hands-on mentorship and infrastructural backing to enable content creators to transition from hobbyists or freelancers into established business owners.