Expand North Star 2025 unites startups and investors in Dubai’s global tech hub
Sheikh Mansoor inaugurates the world’s largest startup and investor event
DUBAI – Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, has inaugurated the 10th edition of Expand North Star 2025, the world’s largest startup and investor event, at Dubai Harbour.
Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the four-day showcase runs until 15 October as part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025. It brings together 2,000 startups, 40 unicorns, and over 1,200 investors with a combined $1.1 trillion in assets under management (AUM) – marking the highest concentration of late-stage and growth startups ever seen at a global tech event.
Sheikh Mansoor hailed the event as a “beacon of bold ambition” and a vital platform uniting entrepreneurs, bridging markets, and driving collaboration across continents. He attributed the event’s success to the visionary leadership of Dubai Ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose guidance continues to shape Dubai’s position as a global digital powerhouse.
Expand North Star
Sheikh Mansoor emphasised that the steady growth of Expand North Star symbolises Dubai’s unwavering commitment to building a prosperous digital future. Over the past decade, the event has evolved into a global enabler of innovation, nurturing talent and expanding investment horizons that align with Dubai’s long-term strategy of economic diversification and technological transformation.
He added that these outcomes have reinforced Dubai’s status as a global capital for entrepreneurship, creativity, and progress, admired worldwide for its ability to attract talent and capital from every corner of the globe.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the DWTC Authority and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; and Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
What’s new this year?
Expand North Star 2025, firmly integrated with GITEX GLOBAL, welcomes founders, investors, and leaders from both public and private sectors to explore growth opportunities and co-create the future AI and digital economies.
The programme includes new interactive zones dedicated to innovation in future-critical industries, complemented by an extensive conference agenda. Highlights include the GITEX ScaleX Ventures Summit, the Climate Capital Summit, and the GITEX Digital Assets Forum, which explore themes spanning green finance, digital transformation, and next-generation technology adoption.
Another major highlight is the Supernova Challenge 2.0, the world’s largest startup pitch competition, offering over $300,000 in cash prizes. Meanwhile, the Future Blockchain Summit continues to spotlight groundbreaking developments in Web3, fintech, and decentralised innovation – underscoring Dubai’s ambition to remain a central hub in the global tech landscape.
How are startups shaping innovation?
During his tour, Sheikh Mansoor visited international pavilions and engaged with innovators across sectors including AI, Climate Tech, Health Tech, Fintech, and Deeptech. Startups demonstrated breakthrough solutions tackling global challenges while venture capitalists outlined trends in sustainable investment and cross-sector collaboration.
Al Olama highlighted Dubai’s continuous efforts to position itself at the forefront of the global digital economy. He noted that Expand North Star serves as a strategic platform to attract investments, cultivate partnerships, and empower startups to grow within a supportive ecosystem aligned with Dubai’s forward-looking vision.
He also underscored the event’s role in strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a destination for entrepreneurs seeking access to regional and international markets while contributing to the emirate’s economic diversification agenda.