The event also highlighted Dubai’s ecosystem, with notable support from KFW Capital and the launch of the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator by G42, supporting early-stage AI startups and signing partnerships with the UAE Cybersecurity Council.

Expand North Star 2025 is the most ambitious edition yet, featuring new initiatives like ScaleX for 50 fast-growing tech scaleups and North Star Green Impact for climate and environmental startups.

Major forums such as the Deeptech MEA Summit and Digital Assets Forum showcased innovations in AI, robotics, and future financial systems, attracting global investors managing over US$1.1 trillion.

The event underscores Dubai’s strategic goal to develop a global digital economy, aiming to create 30,000 jobs by 2030 and establish at least 10 unicorns by 2031, reinforcing its leadership in entrepreneurship.

Sheikh Mohammed participated in dialogues on 'The Next Decade of Startup Innovation,' highlighting Dubai’s infrastructure and regulatory environment as key factors supporting AI-driven growth and global enterprise launchpads.

With over 8,000 startups facilitated since 2016, Expand North Star continues to attract top-tier unicorns like PsiQuantum and talabat, emphasizing Dubai’s position as a magnet for high-value tech investments.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid attended the event, along with high-ranking officials, emphasizing Dubai’s commitment to nurturing innovation, attracting talent, and positioning itself as a leading startup ecosystem.

International participation is strong, with Brazil, Ecuador, and Chile making their debut as official country partners, showcasing their commitment to technological collaboration and innovation, especially Brazil with 55 startups across AI and fintech sectors.

Ecuador presented 20 startups and 22 companies focusing on AI and medical technology, and plans to sign a memorandum with the UAE to establish a technology logistics corridor, signaling strengthened UAE-Ecuador relations.

Dubai's Expand North Star 2025, held from October 12 to 15 and organized by Dubai World Trade Centre, is a major startup and investment event that highlights Dubai’s role as a global hub for innovation and digital economy growth.

The event features key programs such as the GITEX ScaleX Ventures Summit, Climate Capital Summit, GITEX Digital Assets Forum, and the Supernova Challenge startup pitch competition with over $300,000 in prizes, all integrated with GITEX GLOBAL to foster collaboration among founders, investors, and industry leaders.

Dubai signed new collaborations with Presight, 28 Digital, ApexBrasil, and Serbia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote cross-border innovation and cooperation.