Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Visits Expand North Star 2025 To Enhance Startup Ecosystem And Investment Opportunities
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently attended the 10th edition of Expand North Star 2025, a major event for startups and investors. Held at Dubai Harbour from 12 to 15 October, it is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. This event serves as a global platform connecting entrepreneurs with investors, fostering growth in the startup ecosystem and digital economy.
During his visit, H.H. toured various national and corporate pavilions, engaging with investors and leaders from top technology and AI firms. He began his tour at the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) pavilion, where he learned about initiatives supporting the knowledge economy and digital infrastructure. At the Dutch pavilion, he explored startups focusing on clean technologies and sustainability.
H.H. praised Expand North Star for reflecting Dubai's vision to inspire innovation, empower talent, and create limitless opportunities for the future. He stated: "Expand North Star embodies Dubai’s aspirations to build the world’s most dynamic digital economy, where ambition meets innovation, and ideas evolve into ventures that shape a better tomorrow." This exhibition reaffirms Dubai's role as a global incubator for talent and investment.
Accompanying H.H. were Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; and Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. They discussed strategies to enhance connections between venture capital funds and startups.
H.H. met with 15 investors specialising in technology and AI-focused companies to discuss global investment trends in transformative technologies. The discussions highlighted opportunities in Dubai for developing innovative business models. H.H. emphasised initiatives that strengthen ties between venture capitalists and startups, reinforcing Dubai's status as a hub for innovation.
The event is part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025, featuring over 2,000 promising startups — including 40 unicorns — alongside more than 1,200 investors from 180 countries managing assets exceeding $1.1 trillion. The four-day programme includes summits like GITEX ScaleX Ventures Summit and Climate Capital Summit.
Future Growth Strategies
Sheikh Mohammed also met with representatives from unicorn startups to discuss international expansion strategies from Dubai. They explored cross-sector partnerships' role in accelerating advanced technologies' adoption. Policies supporting sustainable growth, talent development, and easier access to capital were key discussion points.
A dialogue session featuring Omar Sultan Al Olama and Yasir Khan from Thomson Reuters Foundation examined ‘The Next Decade of Startup Innovation’. It focused on how AI companies will drive future growth and how advanced infrastructure can transform Dubai into a launchpad for global enterprises.
The event also showcased interactive zones highlighting investment opportunities in critical sectors like Web3, fintech, blockchain technology through forums like Future Blockchain Summit. Additionally, Supernova Challenge 2.0 offered a prize pool exceeding US$300,000 for startup pitches.
This gathering underscores Dubai's commitment to nurturing an environment where creativity leads to tangible achievements that enhance competitiveness and quality of life globally.
With inputs from WAM
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