UAE Showcases AI and Startup Growth at Expand North Star

Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, highlighted that the UAE began investing in artificial intelligence in 2008. Abu Dhabi focused on chips and global companies specialised in AI, setting the foundation for the UAE to become a key player in the sector. Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s long-term vision, thinking in multidecade intervals to ensure sustainable growth and leadership in AI innovation.

Expand North Star 2025 Launch

The UAE hosts the 10th edition of Expand North Star as part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025 at Dubai Harbour, bringing together startups, investors, and innovators from 180 countries. The four-day event, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, aims to boost collaboration, funding, and the UAE’s global position as a digital economy hub.

Learning and Collaboration Focus

Al Olama stressed the importance of learning from global participants and implementing their advice. “We do not claim to know it all – we claim to be the best students and the best listeners,” he said, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to continuous improvement in digital economy and AI initiatives.

Startup and Technology Discussions

A session titled “Scaling a digital future: How will emerging tech redraw the startup map of the next decade” featured Hatem Dowidar, Global CEO of e&, discussing evolving investment strategies, 5G/5.5G technology, and AI governance systems to ensure data integrity and privacy.

Presight AI-Startup Accelerator

Presight, a G42 company, showcased its AI-Startup Accelerator, the UAE’s first AI acceleration programme by a publicly-listed Middle Eastern tech company. The accelerator provides startups with infrastructure, mentorship, and commercial pathways. CEO Thomas Pramotedham explained the programme creates a global platform where startups can meet investors, enterprises, and government stakeholders, boosting the UAE’s position as an AI hub.

Cybersecurity Partnerships

Presight signed a partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council, highlighting the integration of cybersecurity in AI and innovation. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti emphasized that national security remains a central pillar in supporting emerging technology ventures, ensuring safe and secure implementation of AI and other future technologies.

Global Participation and Unicorn Showcase

Expand North Star 2025 featured 180 countries and highlighted Brazil as its first-ever Country Partner. Over 55 startups from AI, fintech, and other sectors showcased innovative solutions. The event hosted 40 unicorns, including PsiQuantum (USA), talabat (Kuwait), Andalusia Labs (UAE), and Carousell (Singapore), demonstrating global tech growth and investment opportunities.

Investment and Venture Engagement

Major global banks, venture capital, and investment firms participated, including JP Morgan, Daiwa Capital Management, Eurazeo, Octopus Energy Generation, Qatar National Bank, Raiffeisenbank, Samsung Ventures, and SBI Ventures. The presence of these institutions highlights the event’s role in creating funding opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships.

Driving Inclusive Digital Growth

Expand North Star’s programme focuses on AI, climate tech, deep tech, digital health, and fintech, supporting startups and entrepreneurs to scale and innovate. The UAE’s initiative, “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,” aims to generate 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and produce at least 10 unicorns by 2031, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a robust digital economy.

The event underlines the UAE’s ambition to lead in global AI and technology, creating opportunities for international collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. By combining government support, investor engagement, and startup talent, the UAE continues to establish itself as a world-class hub for technology and digital transformation.