ALBAWABA - Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance for the UAE, inaugurated the prestigious Expand North Star 2023 on Sunday. This event, recognized as the world's largest exhibition and conference for startups, will take place at Dubai Harbour over four days.
The exhibition boasts the participation of more than 1,800 startups from over 100 countries. It has drawn the attention of over 1,000 investors collectively managing assets worth over $1 trillion. Concurrently, Gitex Global, the largest gathering of technology giants, is set to commence on Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with more than 6,000 companies actively participating.
Sheikh Maktoum expressed his confidence in the potential of national talent to drive the growth of the digital economy and elevate Dubai as a global hub for digital innovation. He also emphasized the importance of contributing to innovative technology and AI-based solutions. Aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which prioritizes the digital economy, this event underscores the commitment to generating new economic value through digital transformation, with an anticipated annual value of Dh100 billion.
Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice-President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, highlighted how this year's exhibition builds on the success of the previous North Star Dubai event, which resulted in the launch of approximately 150 startups in the UAE due to deals signed during the exhibition.
The event introduces a range of new initiatives, including "India Central," a showcase featuring the Indian tech startup ecosystem, with participation from around 300 companies.
