Dubai to unveil $1 million prize for AI-generated film at summit

Dubai is putting a $1 million spotlight on artificial intelligence, launching the world’s largest prize for AI-generated films at the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 in January.

The event will also unveil a $13.6 million Creators Ventures Program, signaling the emirate’s intent to dominate the fast-evolving content economy.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and UAE vice president, the summit will honor the winning AI-generated short film, with the top ten entries screened during the gathering.

All submissions must be created entirely with artificial intelligence and will be judged on storytelling, creativity, and humanitarian themes, according to Arabian Business.

“The content economy is an economic power with limitless horizons,” said Mohammad Al Gergawi, the UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs.