In Dubai, the first Influencer Hub in the UAE and the Middle East was launched in collaboration with BytePlus, hosting a creative hackathon in artificial intelligence. The event brought together a select group of content creators and innovators from over 20 countries worldwide. The hackathon served as a platform to explore the future of storytelling and content creation through generative AI, utilizing BytePlus's innovative platforms, Seedream and Seedance. These platforms enabled participants to craft exquisite visual designs, cinematic narratives, and hybrid media concepts that pushed the boundaries of AI-driven creativity. Participants received a $50,000 credit to use AI tools on the platforms for producing videos and images, along with $9,000 in cash prizes to recognize the top innovations, insights, and technical excellence. During the hackathon, participants produced hundreds of videos and thousands of images using AI technologies, with the total volume of original content created exceeding 80 hours. Long Li, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at BytePlus, stated: "The submitted works were of a high quality and innovative, as the creators demonstrated the potential of the platforms and contributed to raising awareness of their capabilities. This experience has proven that the fusion of advanced technology and creative imagination can produce innovative artistic experiences." Dr. Mohammed Alghafli, Director of the Influencer Hub, said: "The partnership between the Influencer Hub and BytePlus embodies our vision to empower content creators by providing them with advanced AI tools that enhance their storytelling and visual expression capabilities in an innovative manner. The hackathon helped transform the participants' ideas into high-quality cinematic works in just a few days, reflecting the Hub's commitment to fostering creativity and building a new generation of creators capable of competing globally." First place and a $4,000 prize were awarded to Rabia Hassan Sharif for her work addressing a touching story on the concept of happiness. Second place and a $3,000 prize went to Mohammed Shafee and Mamadou Abdoul Nasser for a work inspired by Indian and African folklore in an appealing cultural style. Third place and $2,000 prizes each were awarded to Rabia Jellic and Jorge Sanchez for creative content inspired by Dubai, vividly capturing its vibrant essence through generative AI.
