Driven by the success of GITEX North Star, organisers have decided to extend the North Star into Expand North Star a brand-new startup event that will be held from 10-12 May 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre to accommodate the accelerating growth of the powerhouse tech event brand, following the sell-out success of its 2022 edition this October.
Expand North Star, was jointly announced by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; and His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority.
A new creative format to extend engagements with key stakeholders in tech
Hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, Expand North Star shall present a new creative format to extend its engagements with venture capitalists, unicorns, scale-ups, start-ups, and key stakeholders in the tech ecosystem; which
will advance the continued expansion of GITEX GLOBAL and amplify its achievements.
The new concept start-up show arrives as the UAE enters a new phase of economic development catalysed by new digital generational technologies and innovation. The digital economy is expected to be a major driver of the UAE’s sustainable economic growth, contributing nearly 20 percent to the country’s GDP over the next ten years.
New policies and initiatives are being put in place, promoting smart infrastructure that enhance the digital readiness of the UAE government to ensure business continuity. From IoT, AI, blockchain, metaverse, or Web 3.0, the UAE has been at the forefront of adopting the latest technologies, which has benefited all sectors of the economy and society.
North Star Dubai soars to new heights in UAE’s thriving start-up ecosystem
Conceptualised seven years ago as GITEX Future Stars with a modest 200 participating start-ups, the rebranded North Star Dubai in 2022 has since developed a sterling global start-up and scale-up following, this year hosting more than 1,000 start-ups from 63 countries, having added an additional sold-out hall with 65 percent year-on-year growth, and hosting the highest number of investors and unicorns globally.
There are more than 1,400 start-ups in the UAE with an estimated value of $24 billion, and a further 90 investment funds in the digital sector along with 12 business incubators. UAE companies also held the lion’s share of a record-breaking $2.6 billion in start-up funding across the Middle East and North Africa in 2021, achievements that underscore Expand North Star’s attractiveness to international start-ups to leverage the UAE’s vibrant network and expand their ambitions into wider markets.
Expand North Star from 10-12 May 2023 will present more space and flexibility to engage and develop the international community with an even more creative and impactful programme. The showpiece event will be co-located with the inaugural GITEX Impact and Future Urbanism Summit & Expo, the region’s dedicated dual platform for tech-centred sustainability investments, and public-private partnerships.
