Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, marked the beginning of a pivotal chapter in the startup world by inaugurating Expand North Star 2023. This event, dubbed the world’s largest exhibition and conference for startups, commenced on Sunday at Dubai Harbour and is set to span four days.
Hosting over 1,800 startups from more than 100 countries, Expand North Star 2023 is a melting pot of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. The event has attracted over 1,000 investors, who collectively manage assets exceeding a staggering $1 trillion. This gathering is not just a showcase of startup prowess but also a testament to the global interest and investment potential in the startup ecosystem.
Parallel to this event, Gitex Global, the largest congregation of technology majors, is scheduled to begin on Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event will feature the participation of over 6,000 companies, highlighting Dubai’s growing stature as a global technology hub.
Sheikh Maktoum emphasized the significance of this event in the context of Dubai’s ambitious digital economy goals. “The digital economy is a critical pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and events like Expand North Star 2023 are instrumental in driving digital transformation and innovation, with an expected annual economic value creation of Dh100 billion,” he said.
The impact of such events is profound, as highlighted by Saeed Al Gergawi, vice-president of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Reflecting on the success of last year’s North Star Dubai, which resulted in the launch of about 150 startups in the UAE, he anticipates this year’s exhibition to further bolster the startup ecosystem.
A standout feature of this year’s event is the introduction of India Central, showcasing the vibrant Indian tech startup ecosystem with approximately 300 participating companies. Another notable initiative is Emaratipreneur Inc., a community-driven platform for Emirati entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors. This platform will feature a unique exhibition area for young talent, fostering the next generation of startup superstars, unicorns, and globally renowned entrepreneurs from the UAE.
The exhibition is also host to several key events, including the Supernova Challenge, a prestigious pitch competition with a prize fund of $200,000; Fintech Surge, connecting fintech companies with key industry players; Future Blockchain Summit, the Mena region’s largest blockchain event; and Marketing Mania, the most extensive marketing and creative technology trade show in the region.
Expand North Star 2023 is more than just an exhibition; it’s a vibrant ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and global networking. It symbolizes Dubai’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic digital economy and reaffirms its position as a leading hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
