February 11 - 12, 2020Dubai Internet City
DUBAI 2025
DUBAI
2025
Keep an eye out for updates and final agenda
Explore how GCC markets can complement each other to form a unified, dynamic startup ecosystem, tapping into MENA’s unique opportunities.…
Explore how GCC markets can complement each other to form a unified, dynamic startup ecosystem, tapping into MENA’s unique opportunities. This session will highlight lessons from 2024’s expansion, the role of visa reforms in fostering entrepreneurship, strategies for overcoming regulatory hurdles, and the power of country partnerships to drive cross-border collaboration and market growth. The focus will shift from dividing markets to growing the pie and building synergies across the region.
Explore the impact of mental health on founder performance, and how investor-backed support for founder wellness can lead to greater…
Explore the impact of mental health on founder performance, and how investor-backed support for founder wellness can lead to greater resilience and long-term success. Discuss actionable steps for prioritizing health amid high-stakes growth.
Virtual banking solutions and their role in enhancing SME financial operations.
Explore how programmatic advertising is revolutionizing digital campaigns by maximizing reach, precision, and ROI. Industry experts will share insights on…
Explore how programmatic advertising is revolutionizing digital campaigns by maximizing reach, precision, and ROI. Industry experts will share insights on leveraging data-driven strategies, automation, and advanced analytics to create impactful, cost-effective campaigns in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Discover how startups can leverage debt financing as a strategic tool for growth. This session will demystify the process, from…
Discover how startups can leverage debt financing as a strategic tool for growth. This session will demystify the process, from understanding when debt is the right option to identifying the best sources and structuring agreements. Learn from experts and founders who have successfully utilized debt financing to scale their businesses while maintaining equity control. Gain practical insights into navigating lender relationships, managing risks, and optimizing financial health for sustainable expansion.
Discover how AI-driven tools are revolutionizing productivity for startups, enabling teams to achieve more with less. This session explores the…
Discover how AI-driven tools are revolutionizing productivity for startups, enabling teams to achieve more with less. This session explores the emerging phenomenon of "10-person, $1 billion companies," highlighting how AI is transforming traditional bootstrapping and redefining self-funding strategies.
Discover how real-time personalization is transforming advertising into a conversion powerhouse. This panel will explore cutting-edge techniques for tailoring ads…
Discover how real-time personalization is transforming advertising into a conversion powerhouse. This panel will explore cutting-edge techniques for tailoring ads to audience preferences, leveraging data insights, and driving measurable returns through hyper-relevant campaigns.
Explore how innovative payment solutions are streamlining SMB operations and improving customer experiences.Discuss the challenges of scaling payments infrastructure across…
Explore how innovative payment solutions are streamlining SMB operations and improving customer experiences.Discuss the challenges of scaling payments infrastructure across regional and global markets.Highlight the role of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) and real-time payment systems in SMB growth.
A deep dive into life after acquisition for startups, discussing how founders navigate changes in company culture, manage staff expectations,…
A deep dive into life after acquisition for startups, discussing how founders navigate changes in company culture, manage staff expectations, and create value within a larger corporation.
Exploring how data and AI are revolutionizing the travel industry, this panel delves into personalized experiences, predictive insights, and the…
Exploring how data and AI are revolutionizing the travel industry, this panel delves into personalized experiences, predictive insights, and the future of tailored journeys for travelers worldwide.
Using AI and programmatic technology to extract insights from consumer data.
As businesses expand across borders, managing finances for global teams has become more complex. This panel will discuss innovative fintech…
As businesses expand across borders, managing finances for global teams has become more complex. This panel will discuss innovative fintech solutions that simplify cross-border payments, payroll, and expense management. Hear from experts on how technology is bridging gaps, improving efficiency, and empowering teams worldwide.
AI has been helping to improve lookalike targeting, predictive analytics and data integration. How could such technologies help in narrowing…
AI has been helping to improve lookalike targeting, predictive analytics and data integration. How could such technologies help in narrowing down audiences and optimizing reach?
After great success last year we're bringing this format back! Getting members from the Audience to join a panel on…
After great success last year we're bringing this format back! Getting members from the Audience to join a panel on the topic of the day.
How cloud giants are helping UAE drive AI adoption in enterprises.
As the AI landscape rapidly evolves, the debate between proprietary foundational models and open-source frameworks is intensifying. This session will…
As the AI landscape rapidly evolves, the debate between proprietary foundational models and open-source frameworks is intensifying. This session will explore the strengths and limitations of both approaches in shaping the future of AI. From the scalability of large, proprietary models developed by industry giants to the flexibility and community-driven innovation of open-source solutions, we'll examine how each model is influencing AI development, deployment, and accessibility. Join experts in discussing the future of AI, and how businesses can navigate this landscape to drive innovation while balancing performance, security, and ethical considerations.
Efficient cash flow management is vital for small and medium businesses navigating the B2B landscape. This panel explores cutting-edge fintech…
Efficient cash flow management is vital for small and medium businesses navigating the B2B landscape. This panel explores cutting-edge fintech tools designed to simplify payments, optimize invoicing, and enhance financial transparency. Learn how these solutions are driving growth and resilience for SMBs.
Generative AI is rapidly evolving, with the capabilities of chatbots expanding far beyond simple text-based interactions. This session will explore…
Generative AI is rapidly evolving, with the capabilities of chatbots expanding far beyond simple text-based interactions. This session will explore the next frontier of generative AI, where multimodal applications combine text, voice, images, and video to create richer, more immersive experiences. Hear from experts about the breakthroughs in AI models and their potential to revolutionize industries like healthcare, education, entertainment, and more. Understand how these technologies are reshaping user interactions and opening new opportunities for businesses worldwide.
With fintech innovations rapidly transforming the market, how can SMBs stay ahead? This session uncovers niche trends like embedded finance,…
With fintech innovations rapidly transforming the market, how can SMBs stay ahead? This session uncovers niche trends like embedded finance, alternative lending, and sector-specific tools to help small businesses thrive. Learn from industry leaders on adapting to these trends and building resilience in a fast-paced digital economy.
The cloud is the backbone of AI's growth and integration. This session will explore how cloud platforms are enabling AI…
The cloud is the backbone of AI's growth and integration. This session will explore how cloud platforms are enabling AI advancements by offering the scalability, flexibility, and resources needed to power autonomous industries. Experts from companies like Nvidia, Falcon Abu Dhabi, and DEWA will discuss the role of cloud infrastructure in supporting AI systems and enabling governments and enterprises to build AI-driven ecosystems.
How open banking is allowing SMEs to leverage fintech tools for enhanced financial management.
As AI continues to reshape industries, seamless integration becomes key to unlocking its full potential. This session delves into the…
As AI continues to reshape industries, seamless integration becomes key to unlocking its full potential. This session delves into the transformative role of AI in driving innovation and enabling autonomous processes across sectors. Join industry leaders as they explore cutting-edge advancements, integration strategies, and the impact of AI on efficiency, productivity, and innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape.
As AI continues to transform industries globally, MENA-based VCs are stepping up to ensure the region doesn’t miss the opportunity.…
As AI continues to transform industries globally, MENA-based VCs are stepping up to ensure the region doesn’t miss the opportunity. This session delves into how venture capitalists in MENA are identifying and supporting AI-driven startups, aligning with global trends while addressing regional needs. Hear from leading investors about their strategies, success stories, and the challenges of navigating the competitive AI funding landscape. Explore how MENA can position itself as a hub for AI innovation and investment.
AI is transforming the way supply chains operate, providing businesses with unprecedented levels of efficiency, resilience, and agility. This session…
AI is transforming the way supply chains operate, providing businesses with unprecedented levels of efficiency, resilience, and agility. This session will explore how AI-powered solutions are optimizing logistics, enhancing forecasting, and improving decision-making in global supply chains. Learn how AI tools are enabling companies to better manage inventory, predict demand, reduce waste, and respond to disruptions in real time. With insights from industry leaders, discover how AI is shaping the future of global markets by driving smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient supply chain strategies.
Address the unique challenges of scaling fintech solutions in emerging markets.Discuss funding, customer acquisition, and partnerships as critical drivers of…
Address the unique challenges of scaling fintech solutions in emerging markets.Discuss funding, customer acquisition, and partnerships as critical drivers of growth.Highlight the importance of adapting solutions to local market needs and infrastructure.
The global economy is shifting, and with it, the dynamics of venture capital. This session examines how liquidity challenges, fluctuating…
The global economy is shifting, and with it, the dynamics of venture capital. This session examines how liquidity challenges, fluctuating interest rates, and macroeconomic trends are reshaping the VC space. Gain insights from investors and industry leaders on adapting funding strategies, managing risk, and identifying opportunities in a constrained capital environment. Explore what these changes mean for startups seeking investment and how the ecosystem can remain resilient in uncertain times.
While MENA offers a fertile ground for startups, what does it take to expand into global markets such as the…
While MENA offers a fertile ground for startups, what does it take to expand into global markets such as the US? This session will feature companies that have successfully grown beyond the region, sharing strategies, challenges, and opportunities in scaling their operations internationally.
Over the 2 days of the event 30 startups pitched and only 3 made it to the final round. Join…
Over the 2 days of the event 30 startups pitched and only 3 made it to the final round. Join in to know who will be crowned winner of Step Dubai 2025's Pitch Competition.
Governance evolves as startups grow. This session will provide tailored insights for seed and Series A startups on building effective…
Governance evolves as startups grow. This session will provide tailored insights for seed and Series A startups on building effective boards, managing investor relations, and establishing governance practices that align with their growth stage. Learn how to lay a strong foundation for scaling responsibly.
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