Expand North Star 2024, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy at Dubai Harbour from October 13 to 16, has drawn the participation of 65 unicorns with a combined valuation of $400 billion. The presence of these international success stories underscores the significance of the event for leading global investors and digital companies operating across various sectors.
Unicorn company CEOs participating in the exhibition affirmed that Dubai serves as an ideal gateway for establishing innovative digital projects and launching them globally. Attendees lauded the emirate’s stimulating environment for innovation and creativity, along with its comprehensive business ecosystem that supports the ambitions of global companies specializing in advanced technologies to develop unique solutions that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit all sectors.
During the exhibition, the unicorn companies highlighted Dubai’s success in fostering a vibrant digital economy ecosystem through its efforts to attract startups in various tech sectors. The CEOs also emphasized the value of Expand North Star in offering a firsthand glimpse into cutting-edge developments within the tech space, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of AI and blockchain. The event serves as a source of inspiration, showcasing the transformative potential of technology across various sectors.
Axelera AI, a Netherlands-based developer of high-performance AI chips, has identified Dubai as a strategic hub for its Middle Eastern expansion. CEO and co-founder Fabrizio Del Maffeo stated: “Dubai is a highly strategic location for software development and commercial expansion, especially given its role as a gateway to rapidly growing markets such as India and Africa.”
Billon, a Polish company specializing in secure data and document exchange using blockchain technology, is equally impressed with Dubai’s dynamic business environment. CEO Robert Kaluza commented on the city’s unique appeal, saying: “Dubai possesses a remarkable ability to foster collaboration and attract global talent, making it a truly exceptional city.”
Romanian company Lumen, a developer of innovative assistive technology for the visually impaired, sees Dubai as the ideal launchpad for its groundbreaking ‘glasses for the blind.’ The company’s CEO Cornel Amariei emphasized Dubai’s commitment to innovation and its strategic importance: “Dubai’s standing as a global hub is undeniable. It represents a nexus of opportunity for companies aiming to operate on a global scale.”
The presence of these innovative unicorns at Expand North Star underscores Dubai’s growing influence as a global tech powerhouse. It also reflects the emirate’s commitment to providing enabling ecosystems for global companies across diverse sectors, attracting investments and talent, and fostering innovation to empower the technology sector to innovate new solutions that enhance the performance of key industries.
Expand North Star 2024 is the world’s largest event for startups and investors. The global gathering features more than 1,800 exhibiting startups and more than 1,200 investors from over 100 countries.
