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The 1 Billion Followers Summit and the National Media Authority launched the 100 Dreams initiative in collaboration with British content creator Simon Squibb during a press conference on October 15, 2026, at the Creators HQ in Dubai. The program will distribute a total of $1 million by awarding $10,000 to each of 100 selected participants, who will also receive assistance in obtaining trade licenses, six weeks of training and ongoing mentorship to transform ideas into scalable content businesses. According to the organisers, applications open on November 20 through the dedicated 100 Dreams platform, where candidates must submit a video explaining their proposed venture in media, content creation or the creator economy. The initiative targets individuals who need support to move from concept to execution, with a focus on building companies that can expand globally from a UAE base.
Squibb won the inaugural $1 million One Billion Award at the summit’s 2025 edition, which a UAE Government Media Office release described as the world’s largest recognition for impactful content creators. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the prize after the British entrepreneur topped more than 16,000 submissions from 190 countries in a process that drew 3.3 million public votes. The award honoured his work empowering people to pursue their ambitions through motivational content that reaches millions. Squibb, who maintains a following of 27 million across platforms, used the occasion to highlight how determination can address social challenges and inspire future leaders.
Instead of retaining the prize, Squibb directed the full amount toward helping others, funding dreams for 3,000 people over the subsequent year as he told the summit audience in a later appearance. He has repeatedly described money as energy that should be reinvested to create broader opportunities, a philosophy that shaped his decision to establish the Dream Group. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Squibb noted that the new initiative reflects his own early struggles, saying, “In many ways, this initiative is about helping the 15-year-old version of myself.” He added that nobody should abandon an idea due to lack of resources or knowledge.
Squibb began his entrepreneurial path at age 15 by launching a gardening business after leaving school, according to details shared in summit profiles and coverage by Emirates 24|7. He later expanded into ventures in China before creating HelpBnk, an online platform offering free business advice and consultations to democratise access to entrepreneurship. The serial founder has invested in more than 100 companies and now dedicates his efforts to mentorship, a trajectory that aligned with the summit’s theme of Content for Good. A WAM dispatch placed his selection as an ambassador for the 2026 edition alongside other prominent creators.
The British entrepreneur has based his operations in Dubai because the city shares his forward-looking perspective on innovation and opportunity. Speaking during the announcement, Squibb said the UAE possesses a unique vision that anticipates economic shifts before they materialise, making it the ideal location for the 100 Dreams project. He emphasised that the initiative will not only provide capital but also practical guidance to overcome initial barriers that often prevent talented individuals from starting businesses. This approach builds on the summit’s track record of convening participants whose combined audiences exceed 3 billion followers.
Organisers expect the selected projects to contribute to the growing creator economy in the UAE, where the fourth edition of the summit in January 2026 will feature discussions on AI-generated content and other emerging trends under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The 2025 gathering that Squibb addressed drew more than 15,000 creators, 420 speakers and 125 CEOs across venues including Emirates Towers, the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Museum of the Future. Previous editions have highlighted how digital platforms can drive social impact, a principle that informs the funding criteria for the new program. Applications will be judged on the viability and inspirational value of the submitted ideas rather than existing follower counts.
The National Media Authority has committed to facilitating regulatory steps for successful applicants, ensuring they can establish compliant operations within the UAE. Squibb’s involvement includes direct mentorship sessions aimed at equipping participants with tools to scale their ventures internationally. This latest effort extends the impact of his original prize by institutionalising support for the next wave of creators, with the summit planning to showcase outcomes in future events. Details on selection criteria and timelines remain available through the official 100 Dreams platform once applications commence.
