Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, today inaugurated the 10th edition of Expand North Star, the world’s largest event fostering startup and investor engagement, at Dubai Harbour.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event is organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Running until 15 October, it is part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025 and unites 2,000 of the world’s most promising startups, featuring the highest percentage of growth and late-stage startups seen in a tech event, 40 unicorns, and over 1,200 investors with $1.1 trillion in assets under management (AUM).
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor emphasized the enduring influence and impact of Expand North Star, describing it as a beacon of ambition and an unrivaled platform that unites entrepreneurs, bridges markets, forges connections, and inspires cross-continental collaboration. He noted that the event’s contributions to the digital economy were inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to promote digital transformation and economic diversification.
Sheikh Mansoor stated that the remarkable growth of Expand North Star illustrates Dubai’s commitment to forging a prosperous future where startups are empowered, talents are nurtured, and partnerships and investments are realized. Over the past ten years, the event has evolved into a globally revered enabler of innovation and opportunity, driving industrial development and GDP growth, thus consolidating Dubai’s position as a global capital for creativity and entrepreneurship.
Notable attendees at the opening event included Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; and Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
Sheikh Mansoor also toured international pavilions at Expand North Star, engaging with exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists showcasing solutions and highlighting trends, opportunities, and best practices in AI, Climate Tech, Health Tech, Fintech, and Deeptech.
Al Olama highlighted that Dubai, under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prioritizes the development of the digital economy. This aligns with the goal of establishing the emirate’s economy in the global digital landscape and reflects its vision to advance a global digital economic environment that empowers startups and fosters partnerships.
He further stated that Expand North Star serves as a strategic platform for attracting talent and investments, fostering partnerships, and providing a supportive environment for startup growth. The event plays a pivotal role in shaping the global digital economy map, offering a solid platform for entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in Dubai and global markets.
Integrated with GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and AI event, Expand North Star convenes founders, investors, business leaders, and partners from the public and private sectors to explore growth opportunities and co-create the future AI and digital economies. Its program aims to unlock funding, scaling, and deal flow, supporting startup growth ambitions.
Expand North Star also presents engagement and learning opportunities, including interactive zones spotlighting innovation across industry sectors. The four-day program features an immersive conference agenda with the GITEX ScaleX Ventures Summit, Climate Capital Summit, and GITEX Digital Assets Forum. The Future Blockchain Summit focuses on innovations in web3 and fintech, while startups join the Supernova Challenge 2.0, offering a prize pool of over $300,000 in cash rewards.