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Expand North Star 2025, the startup-driven arm of GITEX GLOBAL, opened this week at Dubai Harbour, uniting some of the world’s most promising startups, investors, and innovators under one roof.
The event, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, brings together over 2,000 startups, more than 40 unicorns, and 1,200 investors managing a combined $1.1 trillion in assets. Since its inception in 2016, Expand North Star has become one of the world’s largest startup and investor networking platforms, helping thousands of founders scale their ventures and expand globally.
During the opening session, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, reaffirmed the UAE’s long-term commitment to innovation and digital transformation.
“We don’t think like other countries; we think in multidecade intervals. We began investing in AI back in 2008, at a time when few believed in its potential. Against all odds, we’re proving that the UAE can be a global leader in AI,” he stated.
He added that the UAE values collaboration and is open to feedback from the global innovation community:
“When people come to us with advice, we take it seriously and work to implement it in the coming years.”
The four-day conference covers key sectors including AI, deep tech, climate tech, digital health, and fintech, offering insights into how emerging technologies are reshaping industries.
Hatem Dowidar, Global CEO of e&, noted that the UAE’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve in line with technological advances.
“As customer needs change, investment priorities are shifting too. Technologies such as 5G standalone and 5.5G will create new opportunities for startups. But robust AI governance will be essential to preserve data integrity and privacy,” he said.
Among the UAE-based participants is Presight, a subsidiary of G42 and the region’s largest big data analytics firm. Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, shared that its AI startup accelerator, launched at Expand North Star 2024, equips early-stage ventures with technical mentorship, enterprise partnerships, and access to international markets.
“What differentiates our accelerator is that it builds a truly global platform where innovation meets opportunity. Startups gain access to powerful computing, expert guidance, and real-world business connections with both public and private sector leaders,” he explained.
This year’s edition also spotlights international collaboration, with Brazil featured as the event’s first-ever Country Partner. Brazilian startups and innovation hubs are showcasing cutting-edge solutions in AI, fintech, and sustainability, underscoring the country’s growing role in global innovation.
Expand North Star 2025 reinforces the UAE’s position as a global powerhouse for startups, digital innovation, and emerging technologies. By linking entrepreneurs to a trillion-dollar investor network, the event is driving collaboration, accelerating startup growth, and advancing the UAE’s vision of an inclusive and connected digital economy.
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