Dubai: The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world's first and largest event dedicated to the content creation industry, has announced that MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media organization in the MENA region, has been named a Strategic Partner for the fourth edition of the Summit.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event, organized by the UAE Government Media Office, will take place in Dubai from 9th to 11th January 2026, across Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future, under the theme 'Content for Good'. This strategic partnership reaffirms the pivotal role of Arab media institutions in supporting purposeful content creation across the region. It aims to drive the development of Arabic content, strengthen its global presence, enhance the visibility of Arab media on the international stage, and empower creators to craft impactful narratives that help build more conscious and creative societies.
Bassam Albraikan, Director of PR, CSR and Corporate Communications at MBC GROUP, expressed pride in being the Strategic Partner of the Summit, which he described as a global platform that brings together creators, influencers, and content makers from around the world. He added that the partnership reflects MBC GROUP's commitment to empowering young Arab talent while elevating Arabic content to compete and make an impact in the global digital landscape. Through this partnership, MBC GROUP aims to support the Summit's initiatives and participating talents, sharing its extensive experience in premium content production with the next generation of creators.
Hussein Al Atouli, Director of the New Media Academy, highlighted MBC GROUP's pioneering role in supporting Arabic content and advancing the media industry across the region. He mentioned that the partnership with the Summit will enhance the capabilities of talented content creators by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, expertise, and technology to advance their creative output. Al Atouli emphasized that empowering content creators involves more than just providing tools; it includes offering opportunities to engage with leading media institutions like MBC GROUP.
The partnership is designed to strengthen the synergy between traditional and new media, paving the way for joint initiatives and projects that reflect the rapid transformation of the digital media landscape. The Summit is seen as an ideal platform to exchange expertise, build new partnerships, and enhance the quality and global impact of Arabic content, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for creativity and purposeful media.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the 1 Billion Followers Summit and MBC GROUP to equip content creators with tools and technologies that match the fast-paced evolution of the digital world. It aims to produce innovative and purposeful content that embodies Arab identity and strengthens the competitiveness of Arabic content on the global stage. It also offers talented creators from the Arab world the opportunity to engage with leading global content creators and influencers during the Summit's sessions, fostering collaboration between traditional media and emerging digital platforms.
Founded in London in 1991 as an independent satellite channel, MBC GROUP has grown into one of the region's largest and most influential media conglomerates, encompassing a diverse portfolio of brands, including over 13 free-to-air television channels and 3 radio stations. The fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit builds on the success of its previous edition in January 2025, which attracted over 15,000 content creators and influencers, 420 speakers, and 125 top CEOs and global experts, recording over 30,000 in-person attendees and 1.5 billion digital interactions.
As part of its preparations for the upcoming edition, the Summit has announced several major global initiatives, including the world's largest AI-generated film award, valued at US$1 million, launched in collaboration with Google. Additionally, the Creators Ventures Accelerator, part of the second edition of the Creators Ventures programme, organized and supported by Creators HQ in collaboration with 500 Global, has allocated up to AED50 million to support creators and startups competing for funding and incubation. Initiatives also include the introduction of a dedicated pavilion for content creation companies, aimed at advancing the content creation economy and empowering young creators.