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How Step Conference enhances the way of doing business in Dubai: A look into AI, Fintech, Proptech, and Adtech sectors

• Step Dubai 2025 is bringing together global innovators to explore advancements across five dedicated tracks, such as AI, fintech, proptech, and adtech.
• The conference’s vibrant activities, such as the flagship pitch competition and angel investment opportunities, act as a launchpad for entrepreneurs aiming to start a business in Dubai.
• As a partner of Step, Dubai Internet City serves as a crucial platform for fostering innovation and developing valuable partnerships.

Step Dubai 2025 is bringing together industry experts and enthusiasts in AI, Web3, fintech, and other emerging technologies to discuss key challenges and scale-up strategies. Located at Dubai Internet City (DIC), this flagship start-up conference also welcomes key delegations from Istanbul and Silicon Valley, along with venture capitalists and unicorns, to explore disruptive ideas moulding global markets.

This article series outlines the key industries showcased at Step, along with Dubai’s strong support to enable the launch of such innovative conferences. Specifically, this second content piece focuses on Step’s dynamic track, pitch competitions, and the general impact of doing business in Dubai.

The five tracks powering Step Dubai 2025

Step Dubai 2025 presents five innovative tracks designed to dive deep into emerging industries, thus providing opportunities for networking, learning, and investment. Key highlights include:

1. Funders and Founders

This track tackles strategic ways to foster start-up growth and empower entrepreneurs through funding and mentorship. Key events include the Flagship Pitch Competition, where 30 start-ups will compete over two days, culminating in a final round to determine the winner. The AngelSpark Competition also offers start-ups the chance to present their innovations to angel investors.

Moreover, sessions such as “10 People = $1 Billion Companies: Tools and Platforms are Reinventing Building and Scaling” examine how AI tools are transforming bootstrapping and scaling strategies, allowing for the creation of lean yet highly productive teams.

2. AI, LLMs, and Cloud

This track highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence across global industries. One key session titled ‘AI-Powered Supply Chains: Driving Efficiency and Resilience in Global Markets,’ discusses how AI enhances decision-making, optimises logistics, and creates agile supply chains. Experts showcase real-world applications of AI that boost sustainability and resilience in businesses worldwide.

3. Fintech

Focused on advancing financial technology, this track emphasises the scaling of solutions in emerging markets. The session ‘Breaking Barriers: Scaling Fintech in Emerging Markets’ explores critical topics such as funding strategies, customer acquisition, and forming partnerships to overcome unique challenges. This session underlines fintech’s role in shaping the economic future of these regions.

4. Adtech 2.0

This track examines the future of digital campaigns with a focus on automation, analytics, and optimising return on investment. The session ‘The Future of Digital Campaigns: Optimizing ROI with Programmatics’ provides valuable insights into utilising data-driven approaches to create impactful campaigns while adapting to the fast-changing digital environment.

5. Proptech

This year introduces the Proptech track, organised by the Dubai Land Department, which surveys the newest advancements in real estate. The conferences cover topics such as AI-enhanced property management, blockchain-based transactions, and sustainable urban development, delivering perspectives on the future of investments and urban living.

Dubai government’s commitment to progress

Dubai’s government has long pursued economic diversification and the promotion of ingenious developments by supporting global events and championing emerging industries. The Step Conference is a key part of this overarching goal. Taking place at Dubai Internet City, which has been a foundational entity of the emirate’s digital transformation for over 20 years, the 13th edition of Step aims to inspire start-ups to scale their enterprises. It also seeks to echo the success stories of local companies like Careem and Kitopi.

As a longstanding partner of Step, Dubai Internet City serves as an essential platform for fostering innovation, facilitating meaningful discussions, and creating transformative partnerships. This association mirrors the emirate’s tenacity to develop a thriving ecosystem for start-ups, SMEs, and technology pioneers. Such initiatives truly bolster the local business environment, thereby creating fertile ground for growth and redefining the way of doing business in Dubai.