The UAE has launched a $1.36 million Social Content Fund as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the digital media space. Around 86% of creators now use generative AI tools, while overall content output has risen by 77%.

The announcement was made at a gathering in Dubai that brought together more than 1,000 content creators, media professionals, and industry experts, underscoring the rapid growth of the UAE’s creator economy and its ambition to position itself as a global hub for digital content.

The Social Content Fund, introduced by Creators HQ in partnership with Alfan, will support 50 creators in its first cohort. Participants will receive financial backing, training programs, advanced filming equipment, access to modern studios, and other resources.

The initiative targets creators producing family-friendly and socially impactful content, including educational, edutainment, human-interest, animation, and health and nutrition content. Applications will remain open until May 10, 2026, with selected recipients to be announced at the fifth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit in 2027.

Participants will also gain access to workshops, personal branding support, financial development opportunities, and the Alfan.io platform, as part of a broader push to scale the creator economy through funding, infrastructure, and advanced technology.

Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, said the initiative reflects the country’s efforts to build a more comprehensive content ecosystem focused on meaningful and socially responsible storytelling.

Mohamad Fattal, founder and CEO of Alfan, said the fund signals a shift toward identifying and supporting talent capable of shaping the future of content, with a focus on family-oriented edutainment.

Khadija Hussain, Executive Director of Government Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, said the event forms part of broader efforts to position the content industry as a key driver of public awareness. She added that rapid AI adoption is accelerating production, expanding the influence of new media while preserving the relevance of traditional platforms.

Sessions also addressed industry challenges, including creator burnout, algorithm-driven pressures, and the need for stronger professional support systems, as well as strategies to maintain authenticity and deliver impactful content during times of crisis.

During the event, Ai Media Lab, part of UAE-based Visioneers, unveiled Risha.ai, an integrated Arabic AI platform designed for content creators across the Middle East and North Africa.

The platform supports Arabic language nuances, including diacritics and dialects, and offers tools for scriptwriting, multimedia generation, dubbing, and social media management. Officials said it aligns with efforts to strengthen Arabic digital content and advance the UAE’s ambitions in the global content economy.