Dubai, UAE — Global content creator MrBeast on Thursday announced the 10 winners of his 1 Billion Acts of Kindness initiative, marking one of the most closely watched moments of the 1 Billion Followers Summit Dubai. The announcement, made on stage before thousands of creators and industry leaders, underscored the UAE’s growing role as a hub for purpose-driven digital content.
The selection was revealed during the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, held in Dubai from January 9 to 11, 2026. Organised by the UAE Government Media Office under the theme Content for Good, the summit brought together creators, platforms, investors and policymakers to examine the responsibilities that now accompany large digital audiences.
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Summit focuses on influence with impact
Now recognised as the world’s largest gathering of content creators, the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 hosted more than 30,000 attendees, including over 15,000 creators from across regions and platforms. The programme spanned keynote addresses, closed-door workshops and panel discussions, with a recurring emphasis on how influence can be translated into measurable social benefit.
A noticeable shift this year was the attention given to sustainability and community impact, rather than growth metrics alone. That shift was reflected in the strong presence of international platforms and creator-led businesses, as well as in initiatives designed to support emerging talent from the region.
Key summit highlights
- A strong focus on socially responsible storytelling under the banner Content for Good.
- Participation of more than 70 small and medium enterprises at the Creators Market, aimed at integrating startups into the creator economy.
- Representation from major social media platforms, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a neutral convening ground for the global digital sector.
Global kindness campaign takes centre stage
Launched in November 2025, 1 Billion Acts of Kindness is a collaborative campaign between MrBeast, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the Varkey Foundation. Creators were invited to submit videos documenting acts of kindness within their own communities, with the emphasis placed firmly on authenticity rather than reach.
From more than 170,000 submissions worldwide, 10 creators were selected. The group reflects a wide geographic and cultural spread, reinforcing the campaign’s stated aim of demonstrating that impact is not confined to high-profile influencers or large markets.
Selected creators include:
- Priya and Sid
- The World Sucks
- Walid Elmusrati
- Ella Loren Y. Bulatao
- Andy Studio
- Ousamma Mahreez
- Godfrey Wavonya
- Majd Alzakout
- Two additional emerging creators were announced during the session
Winners to lead on-ground mission in Ghana
The selected creators will travel with MrBeast to Ghana, where they will take part in building a village providing access to education, clean water and basic infrastructure. The project will be documented for a global audience, extending the campaign’s message beyond the summit hall and into real-world outcomes.
Speaking at the event, MrBeast noted that the campaign was designed to reward intention and effort, not virality — a remark that drew a sustained response from the audience.
A growing role for Dubai in the creator economy
As the summit concluded, organisers reiterated Dubai’s ambition to remain a long-term base for creators, social enterprises and digital platforms. New initiatives announced during the event, including creator-focused funding and innovation awards, are expected to carry forward the momentum generated this week.
The 1 Billion Followers Summit closed with a clear signal: in the evolving creator economy, influence is seen increasingly as measured not only by numbers, but by the change it produces.
