Social media stars Casey Neistat and KSI in Dubai

Social media influencers Casey Neistat and KSI are two of the names that will find their digital voice in Dubai this December as the duo looks set to participate in the first VIDXB event, which aims to promote the creation of online content in the region.

The two-day event, which will be held on December 8 and 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is part of the Dubai Film and TV Commission’s Vision 2020, which includes tapping into the potential of digital content creation across various platforms — be it YouTube, Facebook or streaming sites such as Netflix and Amazon.

Speaking to Gulf News tabloid!, Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of the Dubai Film and TV Commission, said 40 digital content creators will make their way to the emirate, to what will eventually become an annual event, and “lay the foundation for an industry that not just promotes film and TV, but taps into the potential of online content.”

Neistat is a YouTube star who even caught the attention of juggernaut Emirates with his video ‘$21,000 First Class Airplane Seat’ garnering over 45 million views on the streaming platform. He will be joined in Dubai by rapper, gamer and actor KSI, whose YouTube channel has become the 35th most subscribed with 17 million tuning into his content.

Joining the two international names will be regional influencers such as Noor Stars, who commands 4.8 million subscribers on YouTube, 1.5 million followers on Instagram and is cited as a powerhouse with her lifestyle-focused Arabic video content. Other names include food expert Chef Samar Ayoub and online gaming creator DvLZStaTioN.

Omar Butti, Executive Director of Innovation at DFTC, said: “For our future vision, this is the way forward when you look at the statistics in this region that state 80 per cent of all internet traffic will be video by 2020. The idea behind the event is to bring together fans, industry professional and creators to collaborate, share ideas and fuel growth in the sector that focuses on digital media.”