Hamdan Bin Mohammed Highlights Dubai's Role At Expand North Star 2025 For Startups And Investors
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently attended Expand North Star 2025. This event, held at Dubai Harbour and organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, is recognised as the largest global gathering for startups and investors. It continues until 15th October and is hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
With over 2,000 startups and more than 1,200 investors participating this year, Expand North Star has solidified its reputation as a premier platform for connecting innovation with venture capital. The event is part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025, highlighting Dubai's leadership in fostering a supportive business environment that attracts creative ideas and global entrepreneurs.
During his visit, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that hosting Expand North Star underscores Dubai's status as a global hub for entrepreneurship and technology. He stated that this reflects the city's vision to develop a diverse digital economy driven by innovation and knowledge.
He remarked, "The continued growth of Expand North Star year after year demonstrates the rising global confidence in Dubai as a destination that nurtures creative talent and innovation and helps shape the future of the digital economy."
The Crown Prince noted that Dubai's integrated ecosystem supports startups through advanced digital infrastructure, flexible legislation, and strategic partnerships. This environment empowers startups and promotes technological transformation across the region.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan added that supporting talent in advanced technology sectors is crucial for the future of the national economy. Initiatives like Expand North Star enhance Dubai's role as a bridge connecting ideas with capital to build a sustainable economy led by innovation.
Key Figures Accompanying the Visit
Accompanying H.H. Sheikh Hamdan were several key figures including Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence; 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.
Pavilion Tours
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan toured various pavilions at the event. At the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy pavilion, he reviewed services connecting investors with entrepreneurs. The Chamber's programmes aim to strengthen Dubai’s position as a digital economy leader.
The Serbia Pavilion showcased innovations in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies while the Ecuador Pavilion highlighted entrepreneurship projects for international startups. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also explored SpacePoint’s work in space sciences and satellite technologies.
Innovative Solutions Showcased
The tour included visits to Emirati startups Secure Y71 and Nabibk which presented their latest digital solutions. The HealthTech Pavilion featured innovations in medical AI, wearable devices, and early diagnosis technologies.
The India Pavilion concluded his tour with over 200 startups showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data centres, semiconductors, among other technologies.
This event highlights how initiatives like Expand North Star are pivotal in advancing digital business ecosystems while strengthening infrastructure to support startup growth globally.
With inputs from WAM


