Sheikh Hamdan toured Expand North Star 2025, reaffirming Dubai’s leadership in digital innovation and global startup investment.
DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited Expand North Star 2025 today, reaffirming Dubai’s vision as a global capital for startups, innovation, and digital economy leadership.
Held at Dubai Harbour and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the world’s largest event for startups and investors features over 2,000 startups and more than 1,200 global investors. Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre as part of GITEX GLOBAL 2025, Expand North Star 2025 cements the emirate’s role in accelerating entrepreneurship across sectors.
During his tour, Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that hosting such a high-impact event reflects Dubai’s digital ambitions. “The continued growth of Expand North Star year after year demonstrates the rising global confidence in Dubai as a destination that nurtures creative talent and innovation,” he said. He added that Dubai’s strategic infrastructure, regulatory agility, and partnerships make it a hub for startups to scale and thrive.
Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Helal Saeed Almarri, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, Omran Sharaf, and Saeed Al Gergawi. They visited several national and international pavilions showcasing innovations in AI, HealthTech, space technology, and cybersecurity.
He began his tour at the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy pavilion, where he was briefed on initiatives connecting investors with entrepreneurs. He also toured the Serbia and Ecuador pavilions, learning about regional innovations and cross-border collaboration opportunities. Sheikh Hamdan also visited Emirati-led startups such as SpacePoint, Secure Y71, and Nabibk, praising their cutting-edge contributions to space and digital technologies.
One key highlight was the India Pavilion, where more than 200 startups are presenting advancements in AI, semiconductors, data centres, and cybersecurity.
Sheikh Hamdan noted that such events align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and that “supporting talent and entrepreneurs in advanced technology sectors is an investment in the future of our national economy.”
