UAE Launches $1 Million Scheme to Fund and License 100 Creator Businesses

The 1 Billion Followers Summit and the UAE's National Media Authority have introduced a $1 million initiative titled '100 Dreams'. The scheme will award $10,000 each to 100 global content creators alongside trade licensing assistance and accelerator mentorship to establish businesses in the UAE. Applications are scheduled to open on November 20, 2026.

Published October 16, 2026 Source: www.travelsdubai.com

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Issuing authority: National Media Authority
Jurisdiction: United Arab Emirates
Publication date: October 15, 2026
Effective date: November 20, 2026
Stage: Final rule
Official document: 100 Dreams Initiative
Official source: news.google.com

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The 1 Billion Followers Summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, has collaborated with the National Media Authority (NMA) and entrepreneur Simon Squibb to launch the '100 Dreams' initiative. Announced on October 15, 2026, at Creators HQ in Dubai, the $1 million programme aims to assist digital media creators in turning content ideas into commercially registered businesses.

Under the programme, 100 selected applicants from around the world will each receive $10,000 in seed funding. The package also includes administrative support for obtaining UAE commercial trade licences, facilitation for UAE Golden Visa applications subject to official approval, and travel to Dubai to attend the fifth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit from January 8 to 10, 2027.

Following the summit, participants will enter a six-week business accelerator programme focused on business development, marketing, and commercial scaling. According to programme organisers, applications will officially open on November 20, 2026, and are open to candidates globally aged 18 and older who propose ventures in digital media, production, and the creator economy.