The countdown is on for Step Dubai 2025, the Heartbeat of Tech in MENA, which returns for its 13th edition on February 19-20, 2025 in strategic partnership with Dubai Internet City, the region’s leading technology hub and one of TECOM Group PJSC’s 10 business districts.
This year’s event is set to host over 8,000 attendees, 200+ speakers, and an impressive AED 31 billion ($8.5 billion) in fund presence, solidifying Step Dubai’s reputation as the leading platform for innovation, collaboration, and growth in the tech ecosystem.
As Dubai Internet City marks 25 years of enabling the digital economy, this year’s edition of Step Dubai features five new dynamic tracks designed to highlight the most transformative trends in technology. These include:
● Founders & Funders: Building successful startups and securing investment, bringing together founders, investors, and accelerators to share insights on scaling and funding in the MENA region.
● AdTech 2.0: The future of advertising, exploring how AI and programmatic technology are transforming ad campaigns, audience targeting, and brand safety.
● PropTech: Making its debut at Step Dubai 2025, hosted by Dubai Land Department, this track explores how innovative technologies are revolutionising real estate. From AI-driven property solutions to blockchain-powered transactions and development innovations, discover the future of urban living and investments.
● AI Agents, LLMs & Cloud: Exploring how AI is transforming industries, with a dedicated focus on cloud infrastructure, AI agents, and large language models (LLMs). This track provides a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of AI technology, addressing both enterprise and cutting-edge innovations.
● FinTech for SMBs: Empowering small-to-medium businesses with fintech solutions that streamline financial processes, reduce costs, and improve cash flow management.
The introduction of a dedicated PropTech track reflects Step Dubai’s and Dubai Internet City’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech-enablement across the urban environment. Through platforms such as its REES Initiative, Dubai Land Department is providing supportive infrastructure for such innovation to take shape in the real estate sector.
X from Dubai Land Department stated: "Dubai’s real estate market has always been a beacon of innovation, and the PropTech track at Step Dubai 2025 will highlight how technology is redefining our industry. With advancements in AI, blockchain, and IoT, we are shaping smarter cities and more efficient investments for the future."
Commenting on the event, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said: “Entrepreneurs and innovators are the architects of a future enabled and enhanced by technology-led advancements.
“Each year, Step Dubai serves as a vital platform to unite such brilliant minds from around the world, and Dubai Internet City is upholding its 25-year legacy of fostering a collaborative environment for such talent to work, connect, and innovate at the event this year. Aligned with Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, our ecosystem will champion enable meaningful connections, pathbreaking partnerships, and a nurturing environment for groundbreaking ideas to flourish at Step Dubai this year.”
In this edition of Step Dubai, BIM Ventures joins as a Super Partner, adding significant value to the event's ecosystem. This year’s event offers unparalleled opportunities for startups and innovators to connect with leading investors, venture capitalists, and industry decision-makers. Key highlights include The Startup Basecamp, Pitch Competition, powered by Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, Mentor’s Corner, powered by SUMMIT OS and Investor Meetings, powered by Zest Equity.
Attendees will hear from 200+ speakers, including industry leaders like Blake Beltram, Mindbody (parent company to Classpass), Mohsen Moazami (President International at Groq), Elie Khouri (Vivium Holding), Michael Lahyani (Property Finder), Anjali Aggarwal, Head of Business GCC, Noon Payments, James Wang, General Manager UAE, Alibaba Cloud, and more to be announced.
Ray Dargham, CEO of Step, emphasised: "The global tech landscape is evolving rapidly, and AI is at its core. Step Dubai 2025 is embracing this transformation with our expanded AI track, positioning us at the forefront of this revolution. This year, we're all about fuelling the trailblazers and startups that are redefining tech's future and linking them with investors to tap into massive capital."