Dubai will host the 10th anniversary edition of Expand North Star, one of the world’s largest gatherings for startups and investors, from October 12–15, 2025, at Dubai Harbour. The event is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
Over the past decade, Expand North Star has become a launchpad for digital startups, linking innovators with capital, markets, and global opportunities while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading capital of the digital economy. Organisers noted that participating startups have collectively raised hundreds of millions of dollars, forging partnerships that accelerated international growth.
Notable success stories include Nigerian fintech Moove, which raised over $460 million from investors including Uber and BlackRock, expanding into 13 markets and nearing unicorn status with a $750 million valuation. French AI company Obo secured $20 million in 2024, India’s Freshcraft Technologies raised $2.7 million in 2022, and Zaara Biotech attracted $10 million to launch UAE operations.
The platform also fuels international expansion. UK-based Lorien Finance launched its Middle East strategy at the event in 2023, while DeepSeek AI, a 2024 exhibitor, rose rapidly to global prominence.
Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, highlighted the event’s impact: “For over a decade, Expand North Star has been a leading platform for innovation and opportunity. Its success stories demonstrate Dubai’s status as a global centre for the digital economy and a gateway for startups to scale from Dubai to the world.”
As a flagship initiative of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the event continues to drive Dubai’s ambition to be a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.
