The UAE’s 100 Dreams initiative will provide 100 aspiring founders with USD 10,000 each to help build creator and media businesses, alongside company-setup support and a six-week kickstart programme. Launched in Dubai on 15 October by the 1 Billion Followers Summit with the National Media Authority, the initiative is open to applicants worldwide, with applications due to open on 20 November 2026, according to the official 100 Dreams programme page. The package also includes a trip to the Summit in Dubai and help with the Golden Visa process, subject to government approval.
At first glance, it looks like a USD 1 million prize pool. But the offer is broader and more conditional than a cheque: selected participants must be able to establish a UAE company, travel to Dubai for the Summit and take part in the full six-week programme. The public page does not yet clarify the precise terms attached to the USD 10,000.
A USD 1 million pool is tied to company-building support
The programme page describes USD 1 million in total support for 100 people, equivalent to USD 10,000 per selected participant. It says the money is intended to help founders get a media business off the ground, and lists creator-led businesses, entertainment, digital media, video and film production, media technology and platforms, and new media business models as areas of interest.
Alongside funding, selected participants are offered support to establish a UAE company, assistance with the Golden Visa process, a trip to the Summit and a six-week kickstart with Simon Squibb and the Dream team. The official page says visa assistance is subject to government approval. It also makes clear that participants do not need to relocate to Dubai, although they must be able to establish their company in the UAE, travel to the Summit and take part in the full programme.
The initiative was introduced at Creators HQ in Dubai on 15 October. Its official programme page says the National Media Authority funds the initiative in partnership with the 1 Billion Followers Summit, with the aim of helping 100 aspiring founders build creator and media businesses.
One financial detail remains unresolved. The programme site calls the USD 10,000 “funding” towards a business, but does not say whether it is a grant, an equity investment or repayable support, or whether the money is tied to milestones. It would be premature to describe the award as equity-free until full terms are published.
Global applicants must still establish a business in the UAE
The programme is open worldwide to people aged 18 and over. That gives the initiative a potential reach beyond creators already living in the Emirates, while keeping UAE company formation at the centre of the offer. A selected founder may remain based overseas, but still needs to be able to establish a UAE company and travel to Dubai.
The official page says selected participants will attend the 1 Billion Followers Summit, scheduled for 8 to 10 January 2027, and complete the six-week kickstart programme. It describes the programme as working with Simon Squibb and the Dream team, and says applicants can register their interest before applications formally open on 20 November.
The official page currently outlines the eligible business themes and basic participation requirements, but does not publish a closing date or detailed selection criteria. Campaign Middle East has reported that applicants are expected to present their ideas in a video and that submissions will be reviewed by a committee. Prospective founders should confirm the final process and deadlines on the official programme page once the application form opens.
The test will be whether ideas become operating businesses
For now, 100 Dreams is a recruitment programme, not a record of 100 companies already launched. Its eventual value will depend on who is selected, how the money and company-setup help are delivered, and whether participants turn their ideas into operating media businesses. Those outcomes have yet to be demonstrated.
The distinction matters because startup support is judged by what founders can do after the announcement. USD 10,000 may help cover early expenses, but the practical effect will also depend on the licensing assistance, the scope of the six-week programme and the commercial path available to each venture. The public materials do not yet describe those details or the duration of support after the kickstart.
Useful milestones to watch include the opening of applications on 20 November, publication of the selection terms, the January Summit and evidence that selected founders have established their companies. Later updates on product launches, customers and revenue would help show whether the initiative has created durable businesses rather than only a cohort of promising ideas.
The combination of funding, UAE company support and a structured programme gives 100 Dreams a clear founder-facing proposition. Its credibility will ultimately rest on transparent terms and follow-through: how the 100 participants are chosen, what support they actually receive and what their businesses achieve after the launch.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 100 Dreams initiative?
It is a programme launched by the 1 Billion Followers Summit with the National Media Authority to help 100 aspiring founders build creator and media businesses. The programme describes USD 1 million in total support, or USD 10,000 per selected participant, alongside business setup and kickstart support.
Who can apply?
The programme is open worldwide to people aged 18 or older with ideas in areas such as creator-led businesses, entertainment and digital media, video or film production, media technology and platforms, and new media business models. Selected participants must be able to establish a company in the UAE, travel to Dubai for the Summit and complete the full six-week programme. Relocation to Dubai is not required.
When do applications open, and how can I register interest?
The official programme page says applications open on 20 November 2026. The HelpBnk page currently accepts interest registrations before applications open. Show your interest here.
What support is offered to selected founders?
The published package lists USD 10,000 towards the business, support to establish a UAE company, assistance with the Golden Visa process, a trip to the Summit and a six-week kickstart programme with Simon Squibb and the Dream team. Golden Visa assistance is subject to government approval.
Is the USD 10,000 a grant or an equity-free award?
The public programme materials do not specify whether the USD 10,000 is a grant, an equity investment or repayable support, or whether it is tied to milestones. Applicants should wait for the full terms rather than assume a particular funding structure.
What should an application include?
The official page has not yet published a full application checklist or detailed selection criteria. Campaign Middle East has reported that applicants will be asked to submit a video explaining their business idea, with a committee reviewing submissions. Treat that as reported guidance and check the official programme page for final instructions once applications open.
