STEP Conference, a technology festival for emerging markets, has launched its ninth edition under the theme “The World in Dubai,” to be held on Feb. 11 and 12. The event will be held in partnership with Dubai Internet City (DIC) and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).
STEP 2020 is expecting to attract over 8,000 international attendees, 300 showcasing startups, and influential tech leaders and speakers discussing the latest topics and trends across key industries.
This year, programming will represent a world scope on technology in emerging markets, featuring the latest innovations and highlighting the opportunities in the ecosystem. The event will take place at DIC with a format of four main conference verticals: STEP Start, STEP Digital, STEP X, and STEP Money.
Ray Dargham, CEO of STEP, said: “I am very excited to launch STEP for its ninth consecutive year. We have witnessed the development of what started as a conference for entrepreneurs in the Arab world and the Middle East to grow exponentially in becoming a global STEP Conference in Dubai, attracting top speakers, startups, and influential investors from all over the world and specifically from the emerging markets across Asia and Africa. As we enter a new era for STEP next year, in line with Expo 2020 and Vision 2021, we plan to attract entrepreneurs, startups, and tech companies that could potentially expand to Dubai and impact our business and talent landscape.”
Ammar Al-Malik, managing director of DIC, said: “Supporting the entrepreneurship ecosystem is key to our mission in driving talent, innovation and economic growth in the region. Through our continued partnership with STEP, we are confident that together we can provide the right platform for knowledge-sharing and expertise exchange, creating the ideal environment for creativity and growth.”
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism, said: “STEP offers the ideal platform for entrepreneurs to bring forward the latest technologies and innovations and will cement the emirate’s position as a leading technology hub for startups looking to progress and succeed in their fields.”
