Dubai, UAE – During his participation in the fourth edition of the Billion Followers Summit 2026, global star Will Smith emphasized that no matter how advanced technology becomes, it cannot replace human beings and their emotional experiences.
He stressed that the essence of any genuine technological advancement lies in its ability to enhance human connection. It must serve the “human story.” It should not replace feelings or values.
This came during a session titled “From the Pole to Sustainable Cities,” part of the summit organized by the UAE Government Media Office.
The three-day summit is being hosted by Dubai at the Emirates Towers, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and the Museum of the Future. The event is under the theme “Meaningful Content.”
Smith’s human experience
During the session, Smith participated alongside Faris Saeed, Chairman and CEO of C Holding.
The influential Emirati journalist Khalid Al Ameri moderated the discussion. It focused on Smith’s personal journey exploring seven continents in 100 days.
From confronting the harsh environment of the Arctic to diving deep into the Amazon rainforest, Smith shared his experiences.
He noted that facing fear and challenging conditions helped him discover himself. It also taught him to manage his mind in moments of danger.
Smith also discussed his experience filming a documentary in collaboration with National Geographic and Disney.
He described the journey as having transformed from a scientific project into a profound human and spiritual experience.
It taught him about the interconnectedness of all elements of life, from people to the environment and communities.
Human beings are the top priority
Regarding the future of cities, Smith praised what he saw in Dubai’s Sustainable City.
He considered it an advanced model reflecting a vision of living in harmony with the planet.
He emphasized that future societies must focus on people and social relationships. They must be more than just focused on technology.
For his part, Fares Saeed explained that the post-AI era will allow humanity to focus on culture, arts, and human connection.
He stressed that sustainability encompasses society, education, and various groups, especially people of determination.
He cited the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These directives focus on designing the future with people at the forefront of priorities.
The summit witnessed the attendance of more than 30,000 people. It also featured the participation of 15,000 content creators and more than 500 international speakers. These participants engaged across more than 580 sessions, dialogues, and specialized workshops.
