Billion Followers Summit launches ‘100 Dreams’ initiative to turn creators’ ideas into sustainable businesses

Dubai: The Billion Followers Summit launched the “100 Dreams” initiative on Thursday (15/10/2026), in cooperation with global content creator and entrepreneur Simon Squibb and with the support of the National Media Authority. The initiative aims to turn the dreams of content creators and entrepreneurs into real economic opportunities, enabling them to build sustainable projects and companies that contribute to the growth of the creative economy and digital media. It also seeks to strengthen the role of the content industry as a promising economic sector capable of generating jobs and transforming creative ideas into sustainable businesses. The initiative was announced during a press conference at the Influencers Headquarters in Emirates Towers, Dubai, as part of preparations for the fifth edition of the Billion Followers Summit. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, the summit will take place from 8 to 10 January 2027 under the theme “Meaningful Content”, as part of efforts to expand opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs and strengthen their contribution to the digital economy. The “100 Dreams” initiative goes beyond helping content creators expand their reach on digital platforms. It aims to empower them economically and help turn their talents and ideas into viable projects by improving access to knowledge, expertise and partnerships. It also seeks to open new opportunities for people with ambition who face challenges in transforming their ideas into successful businesses. From passion to business Alya Al Hammadi, Vice President of the UAE Government Media Office and Vice President of the Billion Followers Summit, said the “100 Dreams” initiative reflects the belief that content creators possess an entrepreneurial mindset and that their passion for creativity can become successful economic ventures when the right opportunities and support are available. She said this belief was one of the main motivations behind launching the initiative. Al Hammadi cited a 2025 Visa study on content creators earning income through digital platforms, which found that 68% of content creators considered themselves business owners, while 86% relied on self-financing for their projects. She said the findings demonstrate the economic potential of this group and the need for an ecosystem that can help creators progress from individual initiatives to establishing businesses capable of growth and competition. She added that the Billion Followers Summit, in cooperation with the National Media Authority, media networks and partners, seeks to connect content creators with funding opportunities, legislative frameworks, specialist expertise and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to turn their ideas into real projects. Providing creators with the right environment, she said, is a fundamental step towards strengthening their contribution to the creative economy. Success beyond the summit Al Hammadi said the success sought by the Billion Followers Summit extends beyond what happens during the event itself. It includes following the emergence of new success stories and seeing people turn their ideas into companies and develop their businesses, contributing to the growth of the creative economy and the creation of new jobs. She said the ambition is to create sustainable economic and social impact by enabling content creators to establish stable sources of income and develop projects that can grow and expand. The true value of such initiatives, she added, lies in their ability to transform opportunities into tangible achievements and create an environment in which creators can thrive and contribute to economic development. From one person to hundreds Global content creator and entrepreneur Simon Squibb said his participation in the “100 Dreams” initiative stems from a humanitarian mission that began three years ago, when he set himself the goal of helping one person improve their life, discover their abilities and believe in their potential. That idea later developed into a broader ambition to give as many people as possible the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Squibb said meeting people with dreams and ambitions is an emotional experience for him, particularly when they have the desire to change their lives but need someone to give them an opportunity and believe in their abilities. Helping others discover their potential and turn their dreams into reality, he said, remains the principal motivation behind his work. He added that achieving dreams should not be a privilege limited to people with money, connections or access to opportunities. Everyone, he said, should have a fair chance to get started, while many promising ideas never become reality because their creators lack resources, knowledge or access to people who can help. Three keys to success Squibb said empowering people to pursue their dreams requires three essential elements: access to capital, free access to knowledge and education, and professional network