100 Dreams is a $1 million programme announced in Dubai on 15 October 2026. It will give 100 people $10,000 each to build content and digital-media businesses in the UAE. It was launched by the 1 Billion Followers Summit with the National Media Authority and entrepreneur Simon Squibb. Applications are expected to open on 20 November 2026.
What is 100 Dreams?
100 Dreams is a funding and mentorship programme for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs who want to turn an idea into a content business. It was announced at a press conference at Creators HQ in Dubai. The stated aim is 100 new companies in the UAE’s content and digital-media sector.
Simon Squibb, who started his first business at 15, helped develop the programme with the 1 Billion Followers Summit. The National Media Authority supports it.
100 Dreams at a glance
| Total fund | $1 million |
| Winners | 100 people |
| Funding per winner | $10,000 (about Dh36,700) |
| Training | Six weeks of training and mentorship |
| Company set-up | Help obtaining a trade licence and setting up a company in the UAE |
| Applications | Expected to open on 20 November 2026 |
| Summit | 1 Billion Followers Summit, Dubai, 8–10 January 2027 |
| Organisers | 1 Billion Followers Summit and the National Media Authority, with Simon Squibb |
What do winners get?
- $10,000 in funding each.
- Six weeks of training and mentorship.
- Help setting up a UAE company, including support with the trade licence.
What must winners commit to?
According to reports at launch, winners must:
- Set up a company in the UAE.
- Attend the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai in January 2027.
- Complete the full six-week programme.
Who can apply?
Reports say the programme is open to applicants worldwide, and you don’t need to live in the UAE to apply. Ideas should relate to content, digital media or the creator economy. Full application and financial criteria had not been published at launch, so check the official 100 Dreams platform when applications open.
How do you apply?
Applicants are expected to submit a short video explaining their business idea through the initiative’s platform. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Squibb said they are looking for purpose, energy, authenticity and capability.
Applications are expected to open on 20 November 2026. The date may change, so check the official site before you apply.
How to prepare now
- Write your idea in one sentence: who it is for and what problem it solves.
- Practise explaining it on camera in under a minute.
- Show evidence of each quality Squibb named: why it matters to you (purpose), what you have already started (energy), your own voice (authenticity) and the skills you bring (capability).
Want the checklist? Comment “DREAM” on our Instagram Reel and we’ll send you the 100 Dreams application-prep checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 100 Dreams initiative in the UAE?
100 Dreams is a $1 million programme launched in Dubai on 15 October 2026 by the 1 Billion Followers Summit and the National Media Authority, with Simon Squibb. It will fund 100 people with $10,000 each to build content businesses in the UAE.
How much funding does each 100 Dreams winner get?
Each of the 100 winners receives $10,000, about Dh36,700, plus six weeks of training and mentorship and help setting up a UAE company.
When do 100 Dreams applications open?
Applications are expected to open on 20 November 2026. The date may change, so check the official 100 Dreams platform.
Do I need to live in the UAE to apply for 100 Dreams?
No. Reports at launch say the programme is open worldwide. Winners must set up a UAE company, attend the summit in Dubai in January 2027 and complete the full programme.
Who is behind 100 Dreams?
The 1 Billion Followers Summit and the UAE’s National Media Authority, developed with entrepreneur and investor Simon Squibb.