Dubai launches world’s first Creators Competition: X Originals with $500,000 prize pool

Dubai has reinforced its growing role in the global creator economy with the launch of Creators Competition: X Originals, described as the world’s first-of-its-kind competition, unveiled during the 1 Billion Followers Summit.

The initiative was announced by Creators HQ in partnership with social media platform X. The announcement was made during the ongoing three-day summit, organised by the UAE Government Media Office.

The Creators Competition: X Originals aims to produce exclusive, original, high-value global content for X, in collaboration with its X Originals entertainment collection.

Participants are required to submit an original video concept of between seven and 20 minutes in one of five categories:

• Sports
• Travel and Culture
• Gaming and Tech
• Lifestyle
• Philanthropy

The competition will award a total prize pool of $500,000, offered by Creators HQ, with five winners each receiving support and access to advanced equipment, studios, and tools valued at $100,000 per winner.

Creators Competition: X Originals in Dubai

The initiative is positioned as a significant addition to the global digital creativity landscape, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to empowering content creators to produce purposeful, high-value content and contribute to a sustainable digital economy.

Alia AlHammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and Chief Executive Officer of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, affirmed the potential of Arab and global talent to create meaningful content with global impact.

She said, “The Creators Competition: X Originals marks a new step in the journey to empower creators globally, and reinforces the UAE’s position as a hub for the creative economy and a global platform for attracting top talent.

“Through our strategic partnership with X, we aim to deliver advanced development programmes that enable creators to refine their talents and turn their creative output into innovative projects capable of competing globally.

“This will help us build a sustainable professional future and an integrated creative economy that ensures the continuity of purposeful content creation.”

Mitchell Smith, Global Head of Original Content at X, said:  “Our partnership with Creators HQ marks a thrilling new milestone in our mission to empower creators worldwide, as we continue to extend our premium content offering with X Originals.

“The UAE is a world-leading hub for creativity and a vibrant crossroads of culture. Working in close collaboration with Creators HQ, we can provide an unparalleled environment for creators from every corner of the globe to share their stories with X’s global audience.”

Applications for the Creators Competition: X Originals will be submitted via the official form on the Creators HQ website.

$500,000 prize pool

A specialised jury comprising technical experts and prominent creators will evaluate entries based on creativity, originality, storytelling, category relevance, production feasibility, and audience engagement potential.

Applications will open on January 9, 2026, with a submission deadline of February 15, 2026.

The five winners will be announced during Ramadan, with each receiving production support valued at up to $100,000.

Winners will have a two-month period in April and May to refine their videos, ahead of the announcement of the top three winners in June 2026.