UAE launches $1 million ‘100 Dreams’ initiative to back 100 media entrepreneurs

Overview of the programme

The scheme, launched by the 1 Billion Followers Summit in partnership with global content creator Simon Squibb and backed by the National Media Authority, seeks to turn promising creator‑led ideas into sustainable businesses while strengthening the UAE’s creator economy. It forms part of the fifth edition of the summit, which will take place in Dubai from January 8 to 10 next year under the theme “Content for Good” and is organised by the UAE Government Media Office.

Support and benefits

Each of the one hundred selected participants will receive $10,000 in seed funding to help launch their venture, together with practical help to establish a company in the UAE. The package includes UAE company licensing support, assistance with the Golden Visa process subject to government approval, and a trip to Dubai to attend the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January. Participants will also join a six‑week kickstart programme, working with Squibb and the Dream team to develop their ideas and take the first steps toward launching their businesses.

Officials’ perspectives

Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi, executive director of media regulation at the National Media Authority, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s ambition to become a hub for building globally competitive media businesses rather than merely attracting content creators. She told Gulf News: “The UAE do not want to just be a land for creators. We want to build the next great media company from the UAE.” She added that supporting media entrepreneurs is an investment in the country’s economic future and its global influence, noting that behind every successful creator lies a business capable of generating employment, building brands, exporting products and developing intellectual property. She further remarked: “We’re no longer talking about media as entertainment. We’re talking about a business, an ecosystem, and that ecosystem needs support, and we see those creators as business owners.” Al Suwaidi also highlighted the Authority’s role in creating conditions for growth, including access to clear business services, room to innovate and protection for work and intellectual property, and said: “Talent could be born anywhere, it’s the UAE that can turn it into business.” She pointed out the advantages of establishing a venture in the UAE, where access to capital, technology, production capabilities and international partnerships can help entrepreneurs reach global markets. Alia Al Hammadi, vice chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and deputy chairperson of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, emphasised that the scheme brings together the opportunity to set up a company in the UAE and the strength of partnerships to help entrepreneurs realise their ambitions. She said: “There are two distinguished factors. First is the journey of establishing a company in the UAE and second is the partnership together,” and added: “It’s not our first time to support creating businesses and 100 dreams is that opportunity to make those dreams a reality.”

Simon Squibb’s view

Simon Squibb, content creator and CEO of Dream Group, described the initiative as a way to give talented people the practical support they need to turn ambitions into reality. Speaking to Gulf News, he said: “I love the concept of the butterfly effect. You help one person, that changes their life, their family’s life, the people, and their employees’ life, that changes their whole future existence.” He believes that supporting one hundred entrepreneurs with funding, exposure, education and knowledge could create lasting change for individuals and their communities, noting that creators are becoming an increasingly important force in the global business landscape, especially as artificial intelligence reshapes how people work and interact. Squibb stated: “I believe that for creators, they are the future, because brands are now creators, and creators have the ability to connect to the audience. In an AI world that’s coming, you want to talk to humans. You want to buy from humans. And I don’t think that’s going to change.” He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to take chances and apply for opportunities rather than ruling themselves out beforehand, adding: “The key thing is, you have to believe you’re lucky to be lucky,” and warned: “If you don’t apply, you don’t try. I think you’re missing out on luck. And luck is key to success.” Squibb traced his commitment to his own experience, recalling: “I was homeless at 15 but one person believed in me and that changed my life.” He stressed that entrepreneurs need more than a desire to succeed; they also need the determination to address a problem they genuinely care about, saying: “The key to success is not wanting it but needing it, hunger.”

How to apply

The programme is open to applicants worldwide aged 18 and over. Eligible ideas may cover content creation and creator‑led businesses, entertainment and digital media, video and film production, media technology and platforms, and innovative media business models. Applicants do not need to relocate to Dubai, but must be able to establish their company in the UAE, travel to Dubai for the summit and participate in the full six‑week programme. Applications will open on November 20, with interested entrepreneurs able to register through the Joindream website.