Expand North Star 2025 reflects Dubai’s strategic vision to lead the global digital economy and foster cross-border innovation
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, officially inaugurated the landmark 10th edition of Expand North Star today at Dubai Harbour — the world’s largest platform dedicated to startup and investor engagement.
Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital EconomyDubai Chambers Unveil Roadmap For Digital Startups, the four-day event runs until 15 October and forms an integral part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025. This year’s edition welcomes 2,000 startups from across the globe, including 40 unicorns, alongside over 1,200 investors representing a combined $1.1 trillion in assets under management.
Sheikh Mansoor hailed Expand North Star as a beacon of innovation and ambition, underscoring its role in fostering cross-border collaboration, entrepreneurial growth, and the advancement of the digital economy. He credited the enduring success of the event to the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose directives on economic diversification and digital transformation continue to shape Dubai’s innovation ecosystem.
Sheikh Mansoor stated: “The remarkable growth of Expand North Star is a shining illustration of Dubai’s commitment to forging a prosperous future for all – one where startups are empowered, talents are nurtured, and the vast potential of aspirational partnerships and investments is realised.
“Over ten years, this platform has become a global catalyst for innovation, investment, and industrial growth — reinforcing Dubai’s position as a capital of entrepreneurship and transformative progress.”
Also present at the opening were key figures in Dubai’s economic and digital leadership, including H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of DWTC Authority and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Chairman of Dubai Chambers; H.E. 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 toured the exhibition’s international pavilions, engaging with entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders showcasing solutions in AI, Climate Tech, Fintech, Healthtech, Deeptech, and more.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to building a robust and future-focused digital economy, aligned with Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to place Dubai at the forefront of global innovation.
“Expand North Star is a strategic engine for attracting global talent and investment, accelerating startup success, and fostering meaningful partnerships,” Al Olama said. “It reflects Dubai’s continued efforts to diversify its economy and lead the digital transformation across vital sectors.”
Integrated with GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest technology and AI event, Expand North Star brings together leading founders, venture capitalists, public and private sector leaders, and innovation-driven enterprises to co-create the future of AI and digital economies.
This year’s edition introduces several new features and high-impact programmes, including:
- GITEX ScaleX Ventures Summit
- Climate Capital Summit
- GITEX Digital Assets Forum
- Future Blockchain Summit (focused on Web3 and Fintech)
- Supernova Challenge 2.0 – the world’s largest startup pitch competition, offering a prize pool of over $300,000
Interactive innovation zones and sector-specific showcases add further depth to the event, offering immersive learning, networking, and funding opportunities designed to unlock growth pathways for the world’s most promising startups.
As the event celebrates a decade of empowering digital entrepreneurship, Expand North Star 2025 cements Dubai’s role as a global epicentre for tech innovation, digital investment, and startup success.
