1 Billion Followers Summit

1 BFS Agenda

Etihad Airways Hall

Opening Ceremony

Brendan Gahan

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Lara Acosta

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In today’s saturated digital space, creating content is just the beginning. This session will guide creators on the journey from content creator to established brand. Our branding experts explain the how and why of crafting a profitable personal brand on LinkedIn can translate into value in business and across other creator platforms as well. 

Economy Stage

Building Your Brand On LinkedIn

ECONOMY TRACK

Ollie Forsyth

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Ollie Forsyth of  New Economies presents the ultimate guide to what happened in the Creator Economy in 2024 and he’ll share predictions of key industry trends to watch in 2025. This will include a roundup of startups are on the rise, which investors actively investing in Creator Economy companies, and predictions to watch and much more! Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, this presentation will equip you with knowledge to navigate and thrive in this dynamic industry.

Visioneers Terrace

Your Guide to Creator Economy Tech: Learn About What's Hot In 2025

TECHNOLOGY TRACK

Mahmoud Saad

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Mahmoud Saad, a popular TV host with nearly 30 years of experience, shares his journey from traditional television to social media. This fireside chat covers the challenges and opportunities he faced during the transition and how social media has allowed him to connect more personally with his audience. The session offers essential insights for content creators looking to adapt in the evolving media landscape.

Yango Stage

From Prime Time to Timeline

CONTENT TRACK

Zach King

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Step into the world of viral magic with Zach King! In this keynote, Zach takes you on a journey through the ever-changing content game, from the days of Vine to TikTok and YouTube. He will share what he has learned about storytelling, connecting with audiences, and staying ahead in the fast-moving digital scene.

Whether you are a pro creator or just getting started, this session is packed with simple strategies to help you grow and keep your digital brand thriving. 

How to Stay Relevant for a Decade

Simon Squibb

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Set Your Goals, Watch Your Business Soar!
Simon Squibb reveals the magic of purpose and how it fuels growth and success.

Don’t miss this chance to align your goals with your passion and vision unlock your true potential today!

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Unlocking Business Potential Through Purpose with Simon Squibb

Paul Bakaus

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Have you ever had creator's block? Do you wish you could adapt current trends while staying true to your unique voice? Have you felt isolated and unfocused in your creative process? If so, this session is for you. Join X Creator as they demonstrate how they use Spotter Studio to brainstorm, research, and plan their videos—all in one place.

10x Your Video Creativity With AI

Faisal Al Aqel

Faisal Al Aqel and Munira Al Sharifi from the successful podcast Bidon Waraq discuss creating impactful content on political and social topics. This session explores their strategies for engaging listeners and addressing critical issues in the Arab world. Discover how to craft compelling narratives that resonate and shape public discourse. This session is ideal for those interested in the power of podcasts and storytelling.

The Journey of Bidon Waraq

Leanne Perice

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Tyler Chou

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Tyler Chou says no. Leanne Perine says yes. This session pits two industry experts against each other to tackle the question of whether creators should engage in brand deals. Get ready for a fast-paced, insightful debate.

Should Creators Do Brand Deals?

Sarah Younis

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As AI continues to shape content creation, the debate rages on: Can artificial intelligence take over the writing and production process, or is there still a vital need for human creativity? Experts and content creators will argue whether AI can truly deliver content that resonates, from scripts to media production, or if the human touch is irreplaceable when it comes to crafting compelling stories. Tune in for a thought-provoking debate on the future of content creation in the age of artificial intelligence.

Is AI Ready to Take On Writing and Production?

Aydan Al Saad

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As the creator economy grows, the role of talent managers is evolving to meet new demands. This session explores innovative ways creators are partnering with talent managers to navigate brand deals, negotiate contracts, and expand their business. Learn how these redefined relationships are helping creators unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and maximize their growth potential in an increasingly competitive market.

Talent Mangers Are Partners

Doug Shapiro

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Hollywood as you know it is over. Power has shifted from studios to creators, leaving traditional media scrambling to stay relevant. This session outlines the power shift and explores why the Creator Economy is disrupting everything—from content production to distribution and storytelling. Discover why independent creators are taking over, and how these changes will shape the industry for years to come.

The Media Economy Is Over and Creators Won

Anas Bukhash

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Naguib Sawiris

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One of the MENA region’s most influential business leaders, will share insights on building a personal brand that resonates and stands the test of time.
Naguib will discuss how his personal identity became integral to his business empire and how entrepreneurs can leverage their unique voice and values to build powerful brands. From his leadership in telecommunications to his investments across diverse industries, this session will highlight the role of authenticity and vision in creating a lasting legacy.

Being the Brand

Yusuf Omar

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Yusuf Omar, the king of mobile journalism, will give the audience a look into the future of content creation. This session will explore how content will be made, make money, and be shared in 2030. He'll explain how technology can make storytelling more human and empathetic, and why this matters for everyone's career.

Storytelling in 2030

Abdallah Al Khareef

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Abdallah Mashout

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As the landscape of social media evolves, creators are always on the lookout for new ways to connect with audiences and monetize their content. This direside highlights how Abdallah uses  X to grow his brand,  engage with his  community, and explore new content formats. From short-form videos to real-time interaction and innovative monetization tools, X offers unique opportunities for creators to stand out in a crowded digital space. Join this conversation to learn actionable strategies for success on X, understand the platform’s potential for creators, and discover the tips and tricks that are helping creators thrive.

Mastering X: Grow, Engage and Earn like a Pro

Trevor Rainbolt

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Trevor Rainbolt transformed his passion for geography into a worldwide phenomenon. Discover how he connects with audiences on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, keeps them captivated, and shares niche topics in ways that inspire and excite millions. 

The Art of Niche Reach with Trevor Rainbolt

Fernando Parnes

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Lewis Crosbie

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Struggling to turn followers into loyal fans? It’s not your content—it’s your strategy. This session will expose the mistakes creators make when trying to build a community, and the secrets to finding and keeping your superfans.   Walk away with actionable community-building strategies designed to convert casual viewers into passionate advocates - and how to build your very own community. 

Stop Chasing Likes – Start Building Superfans

Fares Akkad

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This session will unlock the future of AI with Meta, exploring groundbreaking advancements and how creators can leverage AI to enhance their content, streamline workflows, and stay ahead of the curve.




Unlocking the Future of AI with META

Low CPMs limit the potential of creators and the industry in MENA. This conversation between industry leaders explores the economic and creative roadblocks stifling growth—and reveals what needs to change to empower creators and monetize their content fairly in a global context.   Learn about some of the new initiatives underway to drive an increase in revenue for creators, platforms and beyond.

Increasing CPMs For MENA Creators

Osama Almuslim

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In this fireside chat Osama Al-Muslim, will share how he’s revolutionized storytelling with his unique mix of fantasy and suspense. Osama will discuss his journey from self-publishing his first book to becoming one of the region’s most influential writers. He’ll also explore how digital platforms and social media have helped him connect with millions of readers and expand his reach. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming TV adaptation of "Khawf".

The Essence of Content Creation

Street Interviews

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Join Max Shone and Asad Awais, the creative minds behind Street Interviews, The School of Hard Knocks and Omar Fruit Flan for an engaging panel on the art and science of developing successful content formats across digital channels. Known for their unique formats, these creators will discuss how they craft and test new formats to keep audiences engaged, while sharing insights on the strategies they've used to expand their team and adapt content for different platforms. From experimenting with storytelling techniques to building workflows that support growth, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at scaling creative teams and refining content for maximum impact. Ideal for creators and managers looking to grow their presence, this chat provides actionable advice on taking content from concept to a full-scale operation.

How to Create a Winning Format

Explore how creators can protect their intellectual property in the age of generative AI, from the perspective of legal precedents and  frameworks from both Hollywood and the MENA region.  Legal experts will discuss ownership rights when AI contributes to content creation, emerging legal precedents, and strategies to secure your creative IP.

Is Your Content Yours? How to Protect Your IP

Andre Le Masurier

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Are brands truly prepared for the creator-led revolution? Emma Harmon and Andre Le Masurier will shatter outdated thinking in this candid conversation, revealing why many companies are lagging behind in creator marketing. Explore the secret formula behind the creator economy’s explosive impact on business growth, complete with jaw-dropping video examples and the five trends you can’t afford to ignore. You’ll leave either prepared—or playing catch-up.

Why Brands Keep Failing Creators

Simo Sedraty

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Is social media content creation just a step away from the drama of the big screen?

Join us for a dynamic discussion with a content creator, a director, and a Yango team member as we break down what it takes to transition from viral videos to starring roles. From must-have skills to the challenges of switching lanes, this session is perfect for anyone passionate about acting, content creation, or both. Don’t miss it!

Can Content Creators Be Actors

Discover the incredible new products, trends, and fan communities transforming the creator economy. Learn how to capitalize on these new innovations to stay ahead in content creation, build deeper fan connections, and elevate your YouTube career. This session serves as a guide to what's new at YouTube in 2025 and how to build a content portfolio that thrives in today's competitive landscape.

Your 2025 Guide to Youtube's Innovations

Alaa Ghozy

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Raghad Zamel

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In the MENA region, tech isn’t just about gadgets—it's about connecting cultures, empowering communities, and redefining the future. And in this digital revolution, a new wave of content creators is leading the charge. They are not only showcasing the latest in tech but also shaping how millions of Arab youth engage with technology on a daily basis.

Creators Redefining MENA Tech

Gohar Khan

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A world full of differences needs creators with purpose.
Gohar Khan has proven that creativity and storytelling can transcend borders, bringing people together through shared experiences. If you’re a creator seeking to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impact, this is your moment to take inspiration and turn it into action.

The Power of Stories with Gohar Khan

Sasha Kaletsky

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Caspar Lee

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Join Caspar Lee and Sasha Kaletsky as they discuss their bold venture into the creator economy. Discover how they launched a venture fund, faced unexpected challenges, and what they’ve learned along the way. This fireside chat offers valuable insights for creators, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to navigate the evolving landscape of 2025.

DIFC

Caspar Lee's Journey from YouTube to Investing

Marina Mogilko

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Tired of the daily grind? Ready to cut your work hours in half?

Marina Mogilko, content creator and entrepreneur, is here to spill the tea on her AI powered hacks that took her from 8-hour workdays to just 4! Whether you're a pro creator or dreaming of joining the content game, don’t miss this session. Learn how smart tech can transform your productivity and take your creative flow to the next level.

8 Hours of Work to 4 Hours Thanks to AI

Fares Sayegh, CEO of Roya TV, has been at the forefront of transforming media by believing in creators long before it became mainstream. As one of the first media owners to champion content creators, Al Sayegh revolutionized his companies by giving creators a platform to thrive. In this fireside chat, he will share his insights on why creators are the driving force behind the new media revolution, and why investing in them is key to staying relevant in today’s rapidly changing media landscape. Learn from Al Sayegh’s experience and discover why now, more than ever, it’s essential to trust and empower creators in the digital age.

Why Creators Are Key to Shaping Media's Future?

Zach Honarvar

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 Join Zack Honarvar for a quick, no-fluff workshop on how to start making money from your content. Get practical tips and leave with a clear action plan to monetize your work.

Simple Secrets to Making Your First Dollar

Rox Codes

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Mr. Beast’s Playbook, Now in Your Hands!

Get your hands on 106 must have AI tools for creators, curated by Rox! Known for coding content for Mr. Beast, Rox sold his company and is now crafting his next big project. Join this session and walk away with exclusive access to the ultimate toolkit for content creators. Don’t miss out!

106 AI Tools in 10 Minutes

Fares Ashour

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This session reveals the key strategies to achieve maximum engagement. Learn proven techniques for creating content that resonates, fosters interaction, and builds a loyal, active community around your brand.

The Secrets Of Achieving Maximum Engagement

Nick Nimmin

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Shubh Jagani

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Join us to learn how to maximize the full potential of your video content to supercharge your social growth with cutting-edge AI technology. In this session, you’ll learn from Nick Nimmin, a leading YouTube creator and educator dedicated to helping other creators succeed on YouTube and social media, how to effortlessly transform any video into engaging, shareable clips with OpusClip. Master AI-driven clipping techniques to amplify your content’s reach, enhance audience engagement, and drive monetization. Perfect for creators and businesses alike looking to streamline their workflow, save time, and unlock new revenue streams, this session will provide actionable insights to supercharge your growth in today’s digital landscape.

Mastering Video Clipping With Opus Clip

Sundeep Fernandes

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Anand Raman

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Laughter is big business in the digital age, but it takes more than jokes to succeed. Sundeep Fernandes and Anand Raman share how they’ve mastered the art of creating relatable, impactful comedy content while scaling their brands. From platform strategies to monetization hacks, discover how to grow your audience and turn comedy into a career. This is where humor meets hustle—don’t miss it!

Building a Comedy Brand That Goes Viral

Ahmed Aburob

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Join Ahmad Aburob, a renowned YouTuber and social media expert, for an interactive live session where he will review and critique social media accounts from the audience in real-time. Aburob will share actionable insights and personalized tips to help attendees optimize their online presence and enhance their content strategy. Don't miss this opportunity to get expert advice and take your social media game to the next level!

Aburob Fixes Your Account - A Live Roasting Session

Mosaed Al Fouzan

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This session dives into the power of in-person engagement, revealing how offline interactions can drive deeper connections with your audience. Learn key tactics to create memorable experiences that build loyalty and strengthen community ties.

Engaging Your Audience On Ground Works!

Anoir Houmou

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With social media giants dominating, is there room for new platforms to break through? This session explores what it takes to succeed in a saturated market, from niche communities to privacy-first approaches. Discover the latest opportunities and challenges facing emerging networks in today’s digital landscape.

Is There Space For a New Social Media Platform?

Jay Clouse

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What separates the top 1% of creators from the rest? In this exclusive live recording of the Creator Science podcast, host Jay Clouse sits down with top creator Noor Stars to explore her journey to almost 60M followers and a thriving business. By learning from the best, you'll expand your understanding of what's possible and accelerate your own trajectory.

Creator Science Podcast Live with Noor Stars

Abderrazak Bennadji

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Arabic children’s content is more than just fun—it’s a mission to preserve our language and identity. Join Mariam Al Karmi, the creative mind behind the most viral Arabic children’s song of 2024, as she shares how storytelling can nurture the next generation of Arabic speakers. Together with experts in education and media, discover how impactful content is safeguarding Modern Standard Arabic and inspiring cultural pride in the digital age. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of Arabic children’s programming!

Saving Culture Through Arabic Kids Content

Kareem Esmail

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The pressure to create can be overwhelming, but your mental health should always come first. Join three seasoned creators as they open up about the challenges of staying balanced in a fast-paced industry. From tackling burnout to building resilience, this session dives into real stories and practical strategies for managing stress and thriving as a content creator. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of the creator journey, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Thriving as a Creator Without Losing Yourself

Join Allan McKay, a Creator and Award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor and Technical Director in Hollywood to step into the future of content creation. AI is revolutionizing the VFX landscape, making Hollywood-quality visual effects accessible to creators through cutting-edge tools that can transform any laptop into a professional studio. From generating stunning B-roll and virtual sets to crafting photoreal AI avatars, discover how this technology eliminates traditional barriers of cost and technical complexity. Learn  workflows that maintain creative momentum while using AI-driven tools to produce visually stunning content that was once exclusive to major film productions.

Make Hollywood-Like VFX on Your Laptop

Hashem Al Ghaili

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Mastering Full AI Video Creation with Hashem Al-Ghaili

Kudzi Chikumbu

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The creator world has outgrown old labels. Creators have to be multi-hyphenates. Join Kudzi Chikumbu, ex-Head of Global Creator Marketing at TikTok and a creator himself, for an insightful fireside chat exploring the the new dimensions of creators today. Learn how to align your brand with entertainment, educational, or inspirational creator types and content formats, and learn how to engage both external ambassadors and internal brand creators effectively using his proven strategies.

Decoding the New Creator Landscape

Melissa Laurie

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Forget polished influencer campaigns—your best storytellers are right under your nose. Melissa Laurie of Oysterly explores the rise of employee-generated content (EGC), where large companies like Microsoft, The Ritz London, and even PwC are trusting their teams to create genuine content that speaks to audiences in a way influencers can’t. It’s bold, authentic and it’s the future of marketing. Learn why EGC has quickly risen to popularity and practical advice with how to build your own EGC team.

Surprise! Your Employees Are the New Influencers

As traditional education evolves, creators now have an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of learning. These innovators are redefining education with tools like LearnTube.AI and ThingLink which offer AI-driven personalization and immersive, interactive AR experiences. They empower creators to earn more revenue while democratizing education, reaching global audiences, and transforming learning in the digital age.

Disrupting Education with Tech: Opportunities for Creator-Led Learning

Stefano Fallaha

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Gautam Raj Anand

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Ivan Zeljkovic

Are we witnessing the golden age of podcasting, or is the bubble about to burst? This session brings together top podcasting insiders to debate whether the $100M deals for stars like the Kelce Brothers are signs of a peak or just the beginning. We’ll also dig into the global and regional trends, including surprising growth in the Middle East. Get ready for an eye-opening discussion that might change how you view the future of podcasting, along with actionable insights to refine your podcasting strategy in this rapidly evolving landscape.

1B AGENDA

DAY 01

Saturday, 11 Jan

DAY

01

Sat, 11 Jan

DAY 02

Sunday, 12 Jan

DAY

02

Sun, 12 Jan

DAY 03

Monday, 13 Jan

DAY

03

Mon, 13 Jan