Expand North Star 2024: Hamdan bin Mohammed visits world's largest startup event
Crown Prince highlights Dubai’s role in promoting future industries and innovation
DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, visited the ongoing Expand North Star 2024 exhibition on Sunday.
The event, recognised as the world’s largest platform for startups and investors, is being held at Dubai Harbour from October 13 to 16.
Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the exhibition has drawn over 70,000 specialists, 1,800 startups from more than 100 countries, and 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding one trillion dollars.
During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan toured the venue and met with exhibitors, including 400 AI companies showcasing cutting-edge solutions aimed at enhancing digital ecosystems and technology infrastructure.
What is Expand North Star 2024?
Expand North Star 2024 is a four-day exhibition, running from October 13 to 16 at Dubai Harbour, that connects startups, investors, and tech innovators from around the globe. Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, it is the largest event of its kind, bringing together 70,000 specialists, 1,800 startups from over 100 countries, and 1,200 investors with assets exceeding one trillion dollars.
The event highlights the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, and tech infrastructure. With its wide-ranging global participation, it serves as a key platform for collaborations and growth in the digital economy.
Who is participating in Expand North Star 2024?
This year’s event boasts a diverse array of participants, featuring investors from countries like Azerbaijan, Mauritius, Denmark, Peru, Malta, and Cyprus for the first time. Startups from new regions, including Austria, Australia, Canada, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Malaysia, and Singapore, are also making their debut at the exhibition.
In total, over 400 AI companies are showcasing cutting-edge solutions that aim to transform digital ecosystems. The event is designed to foster growth, attract top-tier investors, and create new partnerships across the global tech industry.
What did Sheikh Hamdan say about Expand North Star?
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the event's role in shaping Dubai’s future as a leader in the digital economy and innovation. He credited the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, for positioning Dubai as a key global player in advancing sustainable development and future industries.
"The visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has firmly established Dubai as a key player in advancing sustainable development and promoting future industries. This event demonstrates our commitment to attracting top companies, talent, and investors to Dubai," Sheikh Hamdan stated during his visit.
He also highlighted Dubai’s ambition to lead in global competitiveness and its goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which envisions Dubai as a model for future-ready cities that adopt smart technologies early.
New features of Expand North Star 2024
This year’s edition of Expand North Star introduces six exciting new event streams: Corporate Arena, Tech Transfer 3.0, the Future of Media and Creativity, NS Scaleups: 2024 Cohort, Sónar+D, and the Startup Genome Ecosystem Leadership Forum. These new additions are aimed at accelerating the growth of innovative startups and enriching the participant experience.
Expand North Star 2024 is being held alongside GITEX Global, the largest technology exhibition in Dubai, further reinforcing the city’s status as a hub for tech entrepreneurship and innovation.
.@expandnorthstar 2024
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 13, 2024
+1,800 Exhibiting Startups
+1,200 Investors@DxbChamberDigi | @DWTCOfficial | @DubaiHarbour pic.twitter.com/gwAgDC9TmR
What does this mean for Dubai's future?
Hosting Expand North Star alongside GITEX Global reflects Dubai’s growing significance in the global tech landscape. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that these events help solidify Dubai’s reputation as a magnet for innovation, startups, and international investors.
The Crown Prince noted that Dubai’s commitment to fostering partnerships and promoting future industries is central to its mission of becoming a world leader in technology and smart city development. As the city continues to host events like Expand North Star, it strengthens its role as a key player in the global digital economy.