Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Dubai has once again become the center of innovation as H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited Expand North Star 2025. The event, held at Dubai Harbour, is known as the world’s largest gathering for startups and investors. Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the event will run until 15th October.
Thousands of Startups Join the Event
This year’s edition of Expand North Star features more than 2,000 startups and over 1,200 global investors. The strong participation highlights Dubai’s growing reputation as a world leader in connecting startups with venture capital and supporting innovation across sectors.
Dubai’s Vision for a Digital Future
During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan said that hosting Expand North Star confirms Dubai’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and technology. He explained that this event reflects the emirate’s vision to build a diversified digital economy driven by creativity, innovation, and knowledge. He also noted that the event, which is part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025, shows Dubai’s commitment to creating a flexible and supportive business environment that attracts investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Confidence in Dubai’s Ecosystem
Sheikh Hamdan shared that the continuous growth of Expand North Star proves the rising global confidence in Dubai. He said that the city has developed a strong ecosystem supported by advanced digital infrastructure, agile legislation, and strategic partnerships. These strengths make Dubai a major platform for startups and a driving force behind the technological transformation across the region and beyond.
Supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda
According to Sheikh Hamdan, helping talented entrepreneurs in advanced technology sectors is an investment in the future of the UAE’s national economy. This goal supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy and make it one of the world’s top cities for business. He added that global events like Expand North Star help connect ideas with capital, creating a sustainable economy led by innovation and youth creativity.
Key Officials Accompany the Crown Prince
Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by several senior officials, including Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Chambers; Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology; and Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
Exploring Global Innovation Pavilions
During the tour, Sheikh Hamdan visited several pavilions showcasing innovations in investment, technology, and future industries. He viewed projects that support the growth of digital ecosystems and help startups expand internationally.
Visit to Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy Pavilion
Sheikh Hamdan started his tour at the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy pavilion, where he learned about services that connect investors and entrepreneurs. The Chamber presented its programmes for supporting startups and strengthening Dubai’s position as the capital of the digital economy.
Innovation from Around the World
The Crown Prince also visited the Serbia Pavilion, which displayed the country’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He then toured the Ecuador Pavilion, where new entrepreneurship projects and investment opportunities were presented for global startups looking to collaborate.
Spotlight on Emirati Innovation
Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on SpacePoint, an Emirati company that focuses on space sciences and satellite technology. He also met with Emirati startups Secure Y71 and Nabibk, which showcased their newest digital innovations. At the HealthTech Pavilion, he viewed advancements in medical artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and early diagnosis systems that could transform the healthcare industry.
India Pavilion Displays Strong Presence
The Crown Prince concluded his visit at the India Pavilion, one of the largest participants this year. The pavilion featured over 200 startups involved in AI, cybersecurity, data centers, semiconductors, and advanced technology. The participation highlights India’s growing role as a partner in the digital economy and innovation sector.
Dubai’s Commitment to Innovation Continues
Sheikh Hamdan’s visit to Expand North Star 2025 reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Through such global events, Dubai continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between ideas and investors, supporting startups and helping shape the future of the digital economy not only in the UAE but around the world.
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