DUBAI: Expand North Star 2024, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy at Dubai Harbour from October 13 to 16, is solidifying Dubai’s status as a prime destination for global AI companies and startups looking to establish and grow their businesses.
Participants in the event have praised Dubai’s strategic location, advanced digital and tech infrastructure, and business-friendly environment as significant factors contributing to its rising appeal. The city is dedicated to advancing AI as a core aspect of its vision for the future, with initiatives like the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence showcasing the government’s commitment to leveraging AI for economic growth, enhancing government services, and improving residents’ quality of life.
The AI Showcase at Expand North Star 2024 provided insight into a future transformed by artificial intelligence. Over 400 award-winning AI startups presented their groundbreaking solutions, highlighting the sector’s rapid growth. The AI industry is projected to expand by 14.22 percent in 2024, currently employing 7.9 million people worldwide and expected to reach a global value of $500 billion by 2028.
Dubai’s openness to foreign businesses and its ease of doing business attract companies and startups, positioning the emirate as a gateway to global markets and a hub for impactful partnerships. Expand North Star enhances Dubai’s appeal by providing unmatched networking opportunities, bringing together startups from around the world to connect, share ideas, and showcase their innovations.
Diagen AI, a Canadian firm focused on AI-driven drug discovery, is expanding into Dubai, drawn by the city’s status as an AI innovation hub and gateway to global expansion. CEO Brian Keene remarked, “Dubai is at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. We’ve found that many US and North American investors are here as well. We’re establishing a company here and consulting to identify the best free zone for our operations.”
AGCC Korea AI, which supports Korean technology startups, views Dubai as a gateway to Europe, providing exciting opportunities to reach a larger global customer base. CEO Jemma Jeon highlighted that “Expand North Star is a huge opportunity. It’s not only focused on the UAE market but also on Europe and globally. There are numerous global corporations in Dubai, and the environment is welcoming for visitors, making it easy for foreign startups to conduct business.”
Hippo Video, an AI-powered video platform, is eager to expand its presence in Dubai and attract more customers. CEO Karthik Marriapan praised the high engagement and scale of Expand North Star, stating, “I’ve attended several conferences in the US, but this is huge. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
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Returning for the second time, South Korean company FuriosaAI sees Expand North Star as an essential opportunity to connect with customers and partners. Director Jinsu Kim remarked, “Dubai is always a pioneer in launching initiatives, encouraging innovation, and hosting innovators from around the world to drive advancements in AI. This vital sector significantly impacts all other sectors.”
