Expand North Star 2024 Inaugurated By H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed In Dubai
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, inaugurated Expand North Star 2024 at Dubai Harbour. This event, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, is recognised as the largest gathering for startups and investors worldwide. It runs from 13-16 October.
Sheikh Mansoor highlighted that Dubai's leadership, under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has propelled the city to a competitive global position. He noted that Dubai's efforts focus on sustainable growth and fostering innovation. The city aims to be a key player in shaping the future through its visionary leadership.
Sheikh Mansoor emphasised the importance of a flexible digital economy that adapts to changes and turns challenges into opportunities. He stated, "We remain committed to developing a digital business ecosystem and infrastructure that empowers companies to grow and thrive, strengthening Dubai's position as the most attractive city for investment and entrepreneurship."
Following the inauguration, Sheikh Mansoor toured the exhibition pavilions. He was briefed on international participation in this year's largest edition of Expand North Star. During his visit, he interacted with exhibitors and entrepreneurs alongside Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, and Saeed Al Gergawi.
This year’s event welcomes over 1,800 startups and more than 1,200 investors from over 100 countries. These investors manage assets exceeding US$1 trillion. New participants include investors from Azerbaijan, Mauritius, Denmark, Peru, Malta, Cyprus, and startups from Austria, Australia, Canada, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Malaysia, Singapore.
Six new features have been introduced: Corporate Arena, Tech Transfer 3.0, Future of Media and Creativity, NS Scaleups: 2024 Cohort, Sónar+D, and Startup Genome Ecosystem Leadership Forum. These additions aim to enhance the experience for attendees and support startup growth.
Strategic Importance of Expand North Star
Omar Sultan Al Olama remarked on the event's role in uniting strategic partners from various sectors. He said it reflects their commitment to empowering startups and boosting the digital economy's contribution to Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 goals. "We are working to unlock the full potential of the digital economy," he added.
The four-day programme offers diverse content along with networking opportunities across technology sectors like blockchain and fintech. Attendees can explore innovations in deep tech and Web 3 technologies. The event is crucial for connecting global tech communities with Dubai’s innovation landscape.
Future Prospects for Global Tech Events
The Supernova Challenge 2.0 will feature top startups from Europe, Asia, Africa competing for a US$200,000 prize pool after six months of semi-finals worldwide. This builds anticipation for GITEX EUROPE Berlin, GITEX ASIA Singapore in 2025.
Expand North Star integrates with GITEX GLOBAL as catalysts for international collaboration in tech-based socio-economic transformation. The event plays a vital role in linking global tech influencers with Dubai through platforms like GITEX Impact and Fintech Surge.
With inputs from WAM
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