The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly establishing itself as a global hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. At the forefront of this transformation is the Step Conference, an annual event that has become synonymous with the region’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. Scheduled for February 19-20, 2025, at Dubai Internet City, Step Conference 2025 promises to be a landmark gathering for startups, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike.​

A Legacy of Innovation

Since its inception in 2011, the Step Conference has evolved from a series of intimate workshops into the largest tech festival in Dubai. Over the past 13 years, it has grown to host over 8,000 global attendees, feature more than 400 showcasing startups, and involve hundreds of global investors and participating companies. This exponential growth underscores the conference’s pivotal role in shaping the tech landscape of the MENA region.

Diverse Content Tracks

Step Conference 2025 offers five dynamic content tracks, each tailored to address key areas of technological advancement and industry needs

Founders & Funders

This track focuses on building successful startups and securing investment, bringing together founders, investors, and accelerators to share insights on scaling and funding in the MENA region. ​

AI Agents, LLMs & Cloud

Exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, this track delves into cloud infrastructure, AI agents, and large language models (LLMs), providing a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of AI technology. ​

FinTech for SMBs

Empowering small-to-medium businesses with fintech solutions, this track focuses on innovations that streamline financial processes, reduce costs, and improve cash flow management. ​

AdTech 2.0

Examining the future of advertising, this track explores how AI and programmatic technology are transforming ad campaigns, audience targeting, and brand safety, offering insights into the next generation of advertising technologies. ​

PropTech

Making its debut at Step Conference 2025 and powered by the Dubai Land Department, this track explores how innovative technologies are revolutionizing real estate, from AI-driven property solutions to blockchain-powered transactions and development innovations.

Opportunities for Startups

Step Conference 2025 presents a multitude of opportunities for startups to gain visibility, network with investors, and accelerate their growth:​

• Startup Basecamp: A platform for over 400 global startups to showcase their products and services, facilitating connections with regional investors, potential clients, and partners
• Pitch Competition: A flagship event where selected startups present their innovations to leading investors and industry experts, competing for recognition and potential funding.​
• Mentor’s Corner: Powered by SUMMIT OS, this initiative offers startups personalized guidance from seasoned mentors, providing valuable insights into business strategy, product development, and market expansion.​
• Investor Meetings: Facilitated by Zest Equity, these sessions connect startups with venture capitalists and angel investors, fostering relationships that can lead to investment opportunities. ​

Notable Speakers and Participants

Step Conference has a history of featuring distinguished speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. For instance, H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, has been a prominent figure at the conference, sharing insights on fostering innovation and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the region. ​

Additionally, industry experts like Eddy Farhat, Executive Director at e& capital, and Ahmed Hegazy, Co-founder and CEO of Opteam, are slated to share their expertise on AI investments and construction technology innovations, respectively. ​

Why Attend Step Conference 2025?

Attending Step Conference 2025 offers numerous benefits for various stakeholders in the tech ecosystem:​

• Networking: With over 8,000 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals, the conference provides unparalleled networking opportunities.​
• Knowledge Sharing: The diverse content tracks and sessions led by industry leaders offer deep insights into current trends, challenges, and innovations across multiple tech sectors.
• Exposure: Startups can gain significant exposure by showcasing their products, participating in pitch competitions, and engaging with media partners.​
• Investment Opportunities: The presence of hundreds of global investors creates a conducive environment for securing funding and forming strategic partnerships.​

Exploring Dubai

Beyond the conference, Dubai offers a vibrant backdrop for attendees. Known for its modern architecture, luxurious lifestyle, and rich cultural heritage, the city provides a plethora of experiences, from sightseeing and fine dining to adventure sports and shopping. Extending your stay after the conference can offer a well-rounded experience of both professional enrichment and personal enjoyment. ​

Conclusion

Step Conference 2025 stands as a testament to the MENA region’s growing influence in the global tech arena. By bringing together a diverse array of innovators, investors, and thought leaders, the conference not only showcases the latest technological advancements but also fosters the collaborations and discussions that will drive the future of technology in the region and beyond. Whether you’re a startup seeking growth opportunities, an investor scouting for the next big thing, or a tech enthusiast eager to stay ahead of the curve, Step Conference 2025 is an event not to be missed.​