MBC GROUP Becomes Strategic Partner For The Fourth Edition Of The 1 Billion Followers Summit In Dubai

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, a major event for content creators, will take place in Dubai from 9th to 11th January 2026. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office, it will be held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. This year, MBC GROUP has been named a Strategic Partner for the fourth edition of the Summit.

This partnership highlights the significant role Arab media plays in promoting meaningful content creation. It aims to boost Arabic content's global presence and empower creators to craft impactful narratives that foster more conscious societies. The collaboration also seeks to enhance Arab media's visibility on the international stage.

Bassam Albraikan, Director of PR, CSR and Corporate Communications at MBC GROUP, expressed pride in partnering with the Summit. He stated, "We are proud to be the Strategic Partner of the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit - a global platform that brings together creators, influencers, and content makers from around the world." This partnership aligns with MBC GROUP’s mission to elevate Arabic content globally.

Albraikan emphasised that MBC GROUP's extensive experience in media will support Summit initiatives and talents. With over three decades in media and entertainment, MBC GROUP aims to share its expertise in premium content production with emerging creators. This effort will further solidify Arab media's influence in shaping digital media worldwide.

Hussein Al Atouli, Director of the New Media Academy, highlighted MBC GROUP's pioneering role in supporting Arabic content. He said their partnership with the Summit would enhance creators' skills by providing them with necessary knowledge and technology. "Empowering content creators goes beyond providing them with tools—it’s also about giving them opportunities to engage with leading media institutions like MBC GROUP," he added.

This collaboration strengthens ties between traditional and new media, paving the way for joint projects reflecting digital media's rapid transformation. The Summit offers a platform for exchanging expertise and building partnerships that enhance Arabic content's quality and global impact.

Innovative Initiatives

The upcoming edition builds on past successes; January 2025 saw over 15,000 creators attend alongside 420 speakers and 125 CEOs. The event recorded over 30,000 attendees and 1.5 billion digital interactions. New initiatives include a US$1 million AI-generated film award launched with Google and a pavilion for content creation companies.

The Creators Ventures Accelerator is part of these initiatives, supported by Creators HQ and 500 Global. Up to AED50 million is allocated for startups competing for funding and incubation. These efforts aim to advance the content creation economy by inspiring young creators through successful influencers’ ventures.

MBC Group's Legacy

MBC GROUP began as an independent satellite channel in London in 1991. It has since grown into one of the region’s largest media conglomerates with over 13 TV channels and three radio stations. This legacy positions it well to support initiatives that equip creators with tools matching digital evolution's pace.

The partnership between MBC Group and the Summit reflects their shared commitment to empowering creators with technology that enables innovative content production embodying Arab identity. It fosters collaboration between traditional media and digital platforms while encouraging impactful media production.

The Summit provides talented Arab creators opportunities to engage with global influencers during sessions. This interaction fosters collaboration across traditional and digital platforms while creating an ecosystem encouraging innovation in media production.

With inputs from WAM