Sheikh Mansoor Opens 10th Expand North Star in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, inaugurated the 10th edition of Expand North Star, the world’s largest event connecting startups and investors. The event opened at Dubai Harbour under the patronage of His Highness and forms part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025. It will run until 15 October.

Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the event features 2,000 global startups, 40 unicorns, and over 1,200 investors managing $1.1 trillion in assets. This year’s edition showcases the highest percentage of growth and late-stage startups ever seen in a global tech event.

A Platform for Innovation and Growth

In his remarks, Sheikh Mansoor described Expand North Star as a symbol of ambition and a unique global platform that connects entrepreneurs, builds markets, and inspires collaboration across continents. He said the event continues to reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to lead digital transformation and diversify the economy.

According to Sheikh Mansoor, the continuous success of the event demonstrates Dubai’s growing role in nurturing startups and innovation. “Over ten years, this event has become a global driver of creativity and progress. It supports Dubai’s mission to become a world capital for entrepreneurship and digital excellence,” he said.

Vision for the Digital Future

During the event, Sheikh Mansoor was joined by several high-ranking officials, including His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of DWTC and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; and Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Chairman of Dubai Chambers.

Al Olama praised the event’s role in supporting Dubai’s ambition to lead the global digital economy. He explained that the emirate is creating an environment that supports startups, partnerships, and innovation, contributing to sustainable growth and diversification. “Expand North Star is a key platform to attract investments and empower entrepreneurs, giving them the resources they need to grow and succeed,” he said.

Showcasing Disruptive Solutions

Sheikh Mansoor toured several international pavilions at Expand North Star, meeting with entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the world. Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Climate Tech, Health Tech, Fintech, and DeepTech.

The tour highlighted Dubai’s growing importance as a global hub for technology and innovation. It also reinforced the city’s mission to support new industries that can solve modern challenges through smart and sustainable technologies.

Encouraging Global Collaboration

The event is firmly linked with GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and AI exhibition, making Dubai the center of international digital collaboration. Expand North Star gathers leading founders, business leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss opportunities for cooperation and to shape the future of AI and digital economies.

The four-day programme features a wide range of interactive sessions and innovation zones that spotlight emerging technologies. Among these are the GITEX ScaleX Ventures Summit, Climate Capital Summit, and GITEX Digital Assets Forum. The Future Blockchain Summit focuses on the latest developments in web3 and fintech technologies.

Promoting Startups and New Talent

A major highlight of Expand North Star is the Supernova Challenge 2.0, the world’s largest startup pitch competition, which offers over $300,000 in cash prizes. This competition provides startups with opportunities to showcase their ideas before global investors and potential partners.

Through such initiatives, Dubai aims to help startups scale globally, secure funding, and build partnerships that can drive innovation worldwide.

Dubai’s Commitment to a Sustainable Digital Economy

Sheikh Mansoor emphasised that Dubai’s continued investment in the digital economy reflects the leadership’s commitment to sustainability and future-readiness. “Expand North Star embodies Dubai’s vision to empower entrepreneurs, attract investment, and create a digital economy that benefits all,” he said.

The event’s success over the years has strengthened Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It also reinforces the emirate’s long-term strategy of positioning itself as a bridge between global markets and a leader in the digital economy of the future.