Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Dubai North Star 2025 opened today at Dubai Harbour, marking ten years of global startup collaboration and innovation. Running from 12–15 October 2025, the four-day event features more than 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries, setting a new benchmark for startup accelerator events worldwide.
The expo is designed to strengthen business connection strategies, foster inclusive digital growth, and create partnerships across AI, fintech, digital health, and climate technology sectors.
Driving Global Startup Innovation
Since its 2016 debut, the Dubai North Star platform has empowered over 8,000 founders to scale their ventures. The 2025 edition connects over 2,000 disruptive startups with investors managing a collective US$1.1 trillion in assets.
The UAE’s long-term vision is to generate 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and establish 10 unicorns—companies valued at over US$1 billion—by 2031. This initiative aligns with the nation’s goal to become “The Startup Capital of the World.”
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized:
“We started investing in AI in 2008. Against all odds, the UAE is proving it can lead in AI and tech innovation, inspiring collaboration between East and West.”
Startup Accelerator Events Powering AI Growth
A highlight of the event is the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator, the UAE’s first AI-focused acceleration program by a publicly listed Middle Eastern tech company. The program supports startups with access to mentorship, commercial networks, and advanced digital infrastructure.
Presight’s CEO, Thomas Pramotedham, shared:
“Our goal is to turn innovation into real business. The UAE is the AI capital, connecting technology with opportunity.”
The first cohort of the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator unveiled market-ready prototypes from ten global startups, showcasing the UAE’s growing influence in digital transformation.
Global Collaboration and Investment Momentum
With 180 countries represented, Dubai North Star 2025 has achieved record international participation. ApexBrasil, Brazil’s Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, became the first-ever Country Partner, featuring 55 startups in AI, fintech, and deep tech sectors.
The event also unveiled its largest unicorn showcase, including global giants like PsiQuantum (USA), valued at US$68 billion, and talabat (Kuwait), valued at US$8.5 billion.
From Europe to Asia, major financial and venture institutions—such as JP Morgan, Samsung Ventures, and Qatar National Bank—are present to explore the next wave of transformative startups shaping the digital economy.
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