PRESS RELEASES

Mega tech event GITEX Global diversifies to capitalise on rising international interest in the UAE start-up ecosystem

Expand North Star hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to launch in May 2023 following successful October edition

Dubai, UAE, 11 October 2022: Following the outstanding sell-out success of its 2022 edition this October, GITEX GLOBAL is extending its highly acclaimed start-up brand into May 2023 to accommodate the accelerating growth of the powerhouse tech event brand.

North Star Dubai, the world’s largest start-up show, alongside its current strategic partner the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, is amplifying this achievement with the launch of Expand North Star, to take place from 10-12 May 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.  This shall in parallel advance the continued expansion of GITEX GLOBAL in October.

Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, Expand North Star will present a new creative format to extend its engagements with venture capitalists, unicorns, scale-ups, start-ups, and key stakeholders in the tech ecosystem.

The launch of Expand North Star was jointly announced today (11 October 2022) at the GITEX investors briefing by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications, and the Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; and His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, the Director General of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, and the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority.

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.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama said Expand North Star 2023 will be a key platform for the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy to attract unicorns and leading digital companies from across the globe, while showcasing Dubai and the UAE’s competitive advantages and growth opportunities in a thriving digital economy.

“At the same time, the event will offer an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators, and digital business leaders to connect with potential venture capital investors from around the world, while international unicorn founders can share their inspiring success stories to the region’s aspirational tech entrepreneurs,” his Excellency Al Olama added. 

“What GITEX GLOBAL is to the global technology industry, Expand North Star will be to the future digital economy.  This is the leading event of its kind, bringing together the who's-who in the region’s digital business and entrepreneurial ecosystems to connect, collaborate and foster business partnerships that drive growth.”

His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, added: “As VC’s look to future proof their investments against the backdrop of global economic challenges, opportunities for start-ups to raise funds has never looked better.  In partnering with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, we will further augment the achievements and success of Expand North Star, leveraging synergies and networks with a common mission to broaden the global start-up ecosystem, build relationships, and create more opportunities.

“As the new name implies, Expand North Star will ramp up the start-up entrepreneurship momentum, transcending geographic industries and intellectual boundaries as it looks to connect government partners, investors, and corporate accelerators with innovators and tech stars from every continent.”

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.

 More information is available at www.gitex.com