UAE launches "100 Dreams" to fund 100 new content and media businesses

The 1 Billion Followers Summit and the UAE National Media Authority (NMA) launched the "100 Dreams" initiative on 15 October 2026 at a press conference at Creators HQ in Dubai. The initiative will support, mentor and fund 100 content creators who want to establish a business in the UAE. It was launched together with content creator Simon Squibb, founder of Dream Group.

Saeed Al Eter, Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, said: "We are laying the groundwork for 100 sustainable businesses to emerge from the UAE."

The key facts

• Funding: each of the 100 selected creators receives US$10,000 to start their journey in the UAE, for a total of US$1 million.
• Business support: the initiative helps entrepreneurs obtain trade licences and provides mentorship and guidance to develop ideas into scalable businesses.
• Who it is for: people with ideas or projects in media, content creation or the creator economy. Gulf News reports that it is open to applicants worldwide aged 18 and over, who do not need to relocate to Dubai but must be able to set up a UAE company.
• Applications: open on 20 November.
• Timeline: selected founders will be showcased at the fifth 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai from 8 to 10 January 2027, where funding distribution begins. They then join a six-week business accelerator covering business development, marketing and digital media.
• Residence: Gulf News reports that participants will receive assistance with the Golden Visa process, subject to government approval.

Why it matters for international clients

The UAE is treating content creation as an economic sector in its own right, and this initiative is a direct invitation to creators from anywhere in the world to build their businesses here. For creators and digital media founders from Europe, North America, Australia, Russia and the CIS, it combines seed funding with a clear route to a UAE trade licence and, potentially, long-term residence.

Even for those who are not selected, it is a useful signal: setting up a creator or media business in the UAE is supported at government level, and the summit in January will bring together many of the people and platforms in this sector.

What to do

• If you plan to apply, prepare a short description of your business idea and think now about which licence and jurisdiction would suit it. Our guide on free zone or mainland is a good starting point.
• Plan the tax side from the first day. A UAE company is within the scope of corporate tax, and many creators also need to consider VAT registration. See our guide for freelancers and creators and our note on the Small Business Relief extension.
• If you intend to move, read our Golden Visa guide and moving to Dubai checklist, and check how a move affects your tax position at home.
• For help with licensing, bank account and ongoing compliance, see our company setup and corporate tax services.

Sources

• WAM: 1 Billion Followers Summit, National Media Authority launch $1 million initiative to establish 100 content businesses (15 October 2026)
• ARN News Centre (WAM): 1 Billion Followers Summit, NMA launch initiative to establish 100 content businesses
• Emirates 24|7: 1 Billion Followers Summit launches "100 Dreams" initiative
• Gulf News: UAE unveils $1m "100 Dreams" initiative to empower global entrepreneurs

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