Expand North Star 2024, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy at Dubai Harbour from 13-16 October, is further cementing Dubai’s position as a destination of choice for global AI companies and startups seeking to establish and scale their businesses. Companies participating in the event have highlighted Dubai’s strategic location, sophisticated digital and tech infrastructure, and business-friendly environment as key factors in its growing appeal.
Dubai is deeply committed to advancing AI as a key pillar of its vision for the future. The launch of initiatives such as the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence reflects the government’s foresight in harnessing AI to drive economic growth, enhance government services, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The AI Showcase at Expand North Star 2024 offered a glimpse into a future transformed by artificial intelligence.Over 400 award-winning AI startups presented their groundbreaking solutions, underlining the sector’s exponential growth. Projected to expand by 14.22% in 2024 alone, the AI sector currently boasts a workforce of 7.9 million worldwide and is projected to reach a global value ofUS$ 500 billion by 2028.
Companies and startups are drawn to Dubai’s openness to foreign businesses and the ease of doing business in the emirate, which is seen as a gateway to global markets and a hub for forging impactful partnerships.Expand North Star further enhances Dubai’s appeal by offering unparalleled networking opportunities. The event brings together startups from around the world to connect, share ideas, and present their latest innovations.
Gateway to Global Expansion
Diagen AI, a Canadian company specialising in AI-driven drug discovery, is expanding into Dubai, attracted by the city’s unique appeal as a hub for AI innovation and a gateway to global expansion.The company views its entry to the Dubai market as a first-mover advantage and is looking to leverage the emirate’s strategic location and thriving tech ecosystem to advance its global growth.
Brian Keene, CEO of Diagen AI, commented: “Dubai is at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. We’ve found that a lot of US and North American investors are here as well. We’re setting up a company here and meeting with consultants to determine the best free zone for our operations.”
Welcoming Business Environment
AGCC Korea AI, an organisation supporting Korean technology startups, sees Dubai as a gateway to Europe that creates exciting opportunities to tap into a larger global customer base.The organisation cites Dubai’s cosmopolitan environment, openness to foreign businesses, and the strong presence of international corporations as key competitive advantages.
Jemma Jeon, CEO of AGCC Korea, said: “Expand North Star is a huge opportunity. It’s not only focused on the UAE market, but also Europe and globally. There are a lot of global corporations in Dubai and the environment is welcoming for visitors,making it easy for a foreign startup to come and do business here.”
Remarkable Scale and Opportunities for Engagement
Hippo Video, an AI-powered video platform for businesses, is looking to expand its presence in Dubai and acquire more customers. The company praised the high level of engagement and scale of Expand North Star, noting the high footfall the event received.
“I’ve attended a few conferences in the US, but this is huge. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Karthik Marriapan, CEO and co-founder of Hippo Video.
Pioneering Innovation in AI
South Korean company FuriosaAI is participating in Expand North Star for the second time and sees the event as a key opportunity to connect with customers and partners and build lasting relationships.
“Dubai is always a pioneer in launching initiatives, encouraging innovation, and hosting innovators from around the world to develop visions that drive advancements in AI. This vital sector plays a key role in achieving significant developments across all other sectors,” commented Jinsu Kim, Director of FuriosaAI.