UAE Unveils $1M AI Film Award at Times Square

During the prominent 1 Billion Followers Summit, the UAE, in partnership with Google Gemini, introduced its groundbreaking AI Film Award at the Nasdaq Tower in New York's Times Square. This radiant display on one of the globe's most recognizable structures marked the start of the highest award of its kind, boasting a value of US$1 million. This significant initiative aims to enhance the Summit's global visibility while empowering innovators in technology, arts, and culture.

This prominent showcase at Nasdaq is part of a larger global campaign aimed at engaging an international audience, inclusive of business leaders, investors, celebrities, and content contributors. By unveiling the award in a noteworthy location, the Summit emphasizes its dedication to honoring creative minds everywhere. It also illustrates the UAE's evolving status as a center for innovation and creativity, fortifying its position in the global creative scene.

Khadija Hussain, the Executive Director of Government Communication at the UAE Government Media Office and deputy CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, stated that presenting the award at the Nasdaq Tower “enriches the global creative landscape.” She added that this initiative inspires participants to pursue innovative ventures in artificial intelligence and impactful content creation.

The 1 Billion Followers Summit is recognized as the world’s largest gathering focused on the content creation economy. Hosted by the UAE Government Media Office, its fourth edition is scheduled to take place in Dubai from January 9 to 11, 2026, at venues including Emirates Towers, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. The theme for this year's summit, “Content for Good,” emphasizes purpose-driven content aimed at instilling inspiration and fostering positive change.

The AI Film Award, developed alongside Google Gemini, has already garnered remarkable interest, receiving over 16,380 entries from 73 different countries. Among these, 5,952 submissions came from the Middle East, followed by entries from Asia, North Africa, Europe, the US, and beyond. The unveiling has attracted engagement from over 17.8 million people globally.

The award promotes the production of films that carry significant messages, humanitarian themes, and purposeful storytelling. Participants are encouraged to utilize Google's AI models and tools, including Gemini, to broaden their creative horizons and discover new artistic avenues. This initiative underscores a rising global narrative that emphasizes the fusion of technology and artistry for impactful storytelling.

This forthcoming edition will showcase over 400 speakers with a combined social media reach surpassing 3 billion followers. Anticipation is building for over 30,000 attendees, including 15,000 content creators from across more than 140 nations. The AI Film Award signifies an exceptional opportunity for creators to receive recognition, display their skills, and connect with industry leaders worldwide.

By launching the $1 million AI Film Award at Times Square, the UAE and the 1 Billion Followers Summit have made a noteworthy commitment to celebrating global creativity and the significance of meaningful storytelling. This initiative illustrates the potential of AI in film and content creation, further affirming the UAE's role as a pivotal hub for cultural advancement, technological innovation, and creativity.